The treatment for tongue-tie is called frenotomy (or frenulotomy). In more complex cases, a procedure called frenuloplasty may be required.
Frenotomy is a surgical procedure designed to release the frenulum, which is the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This release allows for greater tongue movement.
Here's a breakdown of the two main types of treatment:
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Frenotomy (or Frenulotomy): This is a simple procedure where the frenulum is cut to release the tongue. It's often performed on infants, and most can feed immediately afterward.
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Frenuloplasty: This is a more complex procedure involving plastic surgery of the frenulum. It is typically reserved for more severe cases of tongue-tie or when a frenotomy is not sufficient. This procedure may be necessary for older children or adults.
Essentially, the core treatment involves releasing the restrictive frenulum to improve tongue mobility.
