What Are Tethered Oral Tissues?
A frenum is a band of connective soft tissue located behind the upper lip or underneath the tongue. When this tissue is too tight and restricts normal movement, it is known as a tethered oral tissue, or TOT.
Depending on the location of the restricted tissue, parents may also hear the terms tongue-tie or lip-tie.
Tethered oral tissues may make it difficult for an infant or child to breastfeed, eat comfortably, or move the tongue and upper lip properly. They may also affect oral and facial development and contribute to concerns involving breathing, sleep, or speech.
A frenectomy is a procedure used to release the restricted tissue and improve oral movement and function.A pediatric frenectomy may be recommended when restrictive tissue is interfering with feeding, speech, oral hygiene, or normal oral movement.
Solea Laser Frenectomy for Tethered Oral Tissues
The Solea All-Tissue Laser allows the dentist to perform precise tongue-tie and lip-tie releases.
In some cases, Solea frenectomies may be completed without using a needle to administer anesthetic. Potential benefits may include:
- Minimal bleeding
- Reduced post-procedure discomfort
- Precise treatment of the restricted tissue
- Faster initial healing
Newborns may often resume nursing immediately after the procedure. However, every child responds differently, and feeding improvement may take time as the tongue or upper lip adjusts to its new range of motion.
Solea Lingual Frenectomy for Tongue-Tie
A lingual frenectomy releases a tight frenum underneath the tongue. When restricted movement affects feeding, swallowing, speech, hygiene, or tongue mobility, tongue-tie treatment may be considered after a pediatric dental evaluation.
A tongue-tie may affect breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, eating, swallowing, speech, oral hygiene, or normal tongue movement. A pediatric dental evaluation can help determine whether the restriction is affecting function and whether treatment may be appropriate.
Solea Labial Frenectomy for Lip-Tie
A labial frenectomy releases restrictive tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums. The procedure allows the upper lip to move more freely.
A lip-tie may contribute to feeding difficulties, limited lip movement, oral hygiene concerns, or spacing between the upper front teeth. Treatment recommendations depend on the child’s symptoms, age, and oral development.
What Happens After a Solea Frenectomy?
Parents will receive specific postoperative instructions for feeding, discomfort management, oral care, and stretching exercises.
Following these instructions is important because the released tissue may begin to tighten or reattach during healing. Stretches may need to continue even when the child appears to be improving.
Healing and functional improvement vary from one child to another. Parents should contact the dental office if they have concerns about bleeding, discomfort, feeding, stretching, or the appearance of the treatment area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tethered oral tissues?
Tethered oral tissues are restrictive bands of tissue beneath the tongue or behind the upper lip. When the tissue is too tight, it may limit normal movement and contribute to feeding, speech, sleep, or oral-development concerns.
What is the difference between a tongue-tie and a lip-tie?
A tongue-tie involves restrictive tissue beneath the tongue. A lip-tie involves restrictive tissue connecting the upper lip to the gums. Both are forms of tethered oral tissue, but they affect different areas and functions.
Does a Solea frenectomy require a needle?
The Solea frenectomies can often be completed without a needle for anesthetic. However, treatment needs differ, and the dentist will determine whether anesthetic or another comfort measure is appropriate.
Can a newborn breastfeed after a frenectomy?
Newborns can often attempt nursing immediately after a Solea frenectomy. Improvement may not happen immediately because some babies need time and lactation support to develop a new sucking pattern
How long does a Solea frenectomy take to heal?
The healing may take two to ten days, depending on the patient and procedure. Complete recovery varies, and parents should continue all stretches and aftercare for the period recommended by the dentist.
