What is Frenulum Release? Understanding the Procedure and Benefits

A frenulum release is a simple yet highly effective procedure that can improve the quality of life for individuals dealing with restricted tongue or lip movement. Whether it's an issue with speech, eating, or general oral health, a tight frenulum (the tissue that connects the tongue or lips to the mouth) can cause discomfort and difficulty with everyday activities.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what frenulum release is, how the procedure works, and the many benefits it offers for both children and adults.

What is a Frenulum?

A frenulum is a small band of tissue that connects different parts of the body. In the mouth, there are two primary frenula:

• Lingual frenulum: This connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. If it's too tight, it can restrict the tongue's movement, a condition known as "tongue tie" or ankyloglossia.
  
  
• Labial frenulum: This connects the upper lip to the gum tissue above the upper teeth. A tight labial frenulum can result in restricted lip movement, sometimes referred to as a lip tie.
  
  

In both cases, these restrictions can affect speech, feeding, and oral hygiene, and in some instances, they can also cause discomfort or affect the appearance of the teeth and gums.

What is Frenulum Release?

Frenulum release is a procedure that involves cutting or modifying the frenulum to free up movement. It is typically a quick, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in a dental office or by a specialized healthcare provider. The procedure may be done using a scalpel, laser, or scissors, and depending on the method, healing times are generally fast with minimal discomfort.

Frenulum release is commonly performed to treat conditions like tongue tie and lip tie, especially in infants, but it can also benefit older children and adults who have been experiencing difficulties related to their frenulum.

How is Frenulum Release Performed?

The frenulum release procedure is straightforward and typically involves the following steps:

1. Consultation and Assessment

The first step is to consult with a dentist, pediatrician, or other healthcare provider who specializes in oral or facial procedures. They will assess the frenulum to determine if it is tight enough to warrant a release.

2. Anesthesia or Numbing

For infants or young children, a local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area. In some cases, especially with older patients, a topical numbing agent is applied to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

3. The Procedure

The provider will carefully cut or modify the frenulum using a sterile instrument such as a laser or scalpel. The procedure usually lasts only a few minutes and is well-tolerated by patients of all ages. In the case of laser treatment, the benefit is that it also helps to cauterize the tissue, reducing the risk of bleeding.

4. Recovery

Most individuals can return to normal activities almost immediately after the procedure. Some minor swelling or discomfort may occur, but this typically resolves within a few hours to a few days. In the case of infants, parents may be advised to perform gentle exercises to help ensure proper healing and movement of the tongue or lip.

Benefits of Frenulum Release

1. Improved Feeding in Infants

A common reason for frenulum release in infants is to improve breastfeeding. If an infant has a tongue or lip tie, they may have difficulty latching onto the breast properly, which can lead to poor feeding, nipple pain, and inadequate nutrition. After a frenulum release, infants can latch more effectively, improving milk intake and enhancing the breastfeeding experience for both the baby and the mother.

2. Enhanced Speech and Oral Function

In children and adults, a tight frenulum can restrict movement of the tongue or lips, leading to difficulty with speech, eating, and even brushing teeth. With a frenulum release, individuals can experience better articulation, clearer speech, and more ease when chewing and swallowing.

3. Improved Oral Hygiene

A tight frenulum can make it difficult for some individuals to properly clean their teeth or gums, as it can limit lip or tongue movement. After a frenulum release, oral hygiene becomes easier, and individuals are less likely to experience food buildup or plaque in hard-to-reach areas, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

4. Reduced Discomfort and Pain

A tight frenulum, especially in the case of a lip tie or tongue tie, can cause discomfort, especially when eating or speaking. After the procedure, most individuals report a significant reduction in discomfort and experience more freedom of movement.

5. Better Dental and Aesthetic Outcomes

In some cases, a restrictive frenulum can contribute to misaligned teeth or a gap between the front teeth (diastema). By releasing the frenulum, it may be possible to improve the alignment of the teeth or prevent further issues down the line.

Who is a Candidate for Frenulum Release?

Frenulum release can benefit people of all ages, from infants struggling with breastfeeding to adults with speech or eating difficulties. If you or your child experiences any of the following issues, you may be a good candidate for this procedure:

• Difficulty latching during breastfeeding (in infants)
  
  
• Speech difficulties due to limited tongue or lip movement
  
  
• A gap between the upper front teeth
  
  
• Discomfort or pain when eating or speaking
  
  
• Limited tongue movement that impacts oral hygiene
  
  

It’s important to consult with a dentist or healthcare provider who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best course of action.

Frenulum Release in Holladay, Utah

At Holladay Dental Experience, we specialize in frenulum release procedures to help infants, children, and adults enjoy improved oral function and comfort. Whether you're struggling with feeding issues, speech difficulties, or simply want to improve your oral health, our experienced team is here to help. We use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure a quick, effective, and comfortable procedure.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn how a frenulum release can improve your or your child’s oral health and overall quality of life in Holladay, Utah.