Frenectomy in Da Nang – Tongue Tie & Lip Tie Release

Frenectomy is a minor oral surgical procedure that releases a frenum, a small band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenum) or the lip to the gum (labial frenum), when it is abnormally short, tight, or thick and restricts normal function. This condition is commonly known as tongue tie (ankyloglossia) when affecting the tongue or lip tie when affecting the upper lip. At Picasso Dental Clinic inside Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital, our dentists perform safe, precise frenectomies for patients of all ages, from newborn infants experiencing breastfeeding difficulties to adults with speech or dental concerns, at prices starting from USD $43.

Tongue tie and lip tie are more common than many people realize, affecting an estimated 4 to 11 percent of newborns. While mild cases may not cause significant problems, moderate to severe restrictions can interfere with breastfeeding in infants, speech development in children, oral hygiene maintenance, and dental alignment. Early identification and treatment through frenectomy is a simple, quick procedure that can dramatically improve quality of life.

What Is a Frenectomy?

A frenectomy (also spelled frenotomy or frenulectomy) involves the surgical release of a frenum, the thin fold of mucous membrane that restricts the movement of an organ. In dental practice, frenectomy most commonly addresses:

Lingual Frenectomy (Tongue Tie Release)

The lingual frenum connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When this tissue is too short, thick, or tight, it restricts the tongue’s range of motion, a condition called ankyloglossia or tongue tie. Lingual frenectomy releases this restriction, allowing the tongue to move freely.

Labial Frenectomy (Lip Tie Release)

The labial frenum connects the inside of the upper lip to the gum tissue above the upper front teeth. When this frenum is too prominent or extends between the teeth, it can:

• Cause a gap (diastema) between the front teeth
• Interfere with breastfeeding in infants
• Contribute to gum recession on the front teeth
• Complicate orthodontic treatment

Labial frenectomy removes or repositions this tissue to resolve these issues.

Who Needs a Frenectomy?

Infants with Breastfeeding Difficulties

Tongue tie is one of the most common correctable causes of breastfeeding problems. An infant with tongue tie may:

• Have difficulty latching onto the breast
• Produce clicking sounds during feeding
• Cause maternal nipple pain and damage
• Feed for prolonged periods without adequate milk transfer
• Fail to gain weight appropriately

Early frenectomy, sometimes within the first days or weeks of life, can dramatically improve breastfeeding outcomes.

Children with Speech Difficulties

While not all tongue ties cause speech problems, some children experience difficulty articulating specific sounds due to restricted tongue movement. Common affected sounds include:

• L, R, T, D, N, S, Z: Sounds requiring tongue tip elevation
• TH: Sounds requiring tongue protrusion
• Clear speech patterns may develop difficulties as language becomes more complex

Children and Adults with Dental Concerns

A prominent labial frenum can:

• Maintain or create a diastema (gap) between the upper front teeth
• Interfere with orthodontic treatment by pulling teeth apart after braces or aligners
• Cause gum recession on the front teeth by pulling the gum tissue downward

Patients Requiring Orthodontic Support

Orthodontists frequently recommend labial frenectomy after closing a midline diastema with braces or Invisalign to prevent the gap from reopening.

Adults with Functional Limitations

Adults with untreated tongue tie may experience:

• Difficulty eating certain foods
• Discomfort during kissing or oral activities
• Jaw tension or TMJ symptoms related to compensatory tongue postures
• Difficulty playing wind instruments
• Social embarrassment about restricted tongue movement

Denture Patients

A prominent labial or lingual frenum can interfere with the fit and retention of complete dentures, and frenectomy may be recommended as a pre-prosthetic procedure.

Benefits of Frenectomy

Improved Breastfeeding

For infants with tongue tie, frenectomy often produces immediate improvement in latch quality, feeding efficiency, and maternal comfort. Studies show significant improvement in breastfeeding outcomes following tongue tie release.

Enhanced Speech Development

Releasing a restrictive lingual frenum provides the tongue with the range of motion needed for proper articulation, especially when combined with speech therapy exercises.

Improved Dental Alignment

Removing a prominent labial frenum allows orthodontic treatment to close and maintain closure of the midline diastema, improving both function and aesthetics.

Better Oral Hygiene

A tight lingual frenum can make it difficult to sweep the tongue across the teeth and palate for effective self-cleaning. Release improves tongue mobility for better oral hygiene.

Quick and Simple Procedure

Frenectomy is one of the simplest and quickest dental surgical procedures, typically taking only 15 to 30 minutes with minimal recovery time.

Permanent Results

When properly performed with appropriate post-operative exercises, frenectomy provides permanent improvement in frenum restriction.

The Frenectomy Procedure at Picasso Vinmec

For Infants

1. Assessment: The frenum is evaluated for type and severity of restriction
2. Positioning: The infant is gently positioned and the tongue or lip is elevated
3. Anesthesia: Topical anesthetic gel is applied to the area; very young infants may not require anesthesia due to the minimal nerve supply in the thin frenum tissue
4. Release: The frenum is released using a sterile instrument or surgical scissors
5. Hemostasis: Minimal bleeding is controlled with gentle pressure
6. Feeding: The infant is offered breastfeeding or bottle feeding immediately after the procedure
7. Exercises: Parents are instructed on post-operative stretching exercises to prevent reattachment

For Children and Adults

1. Consultation: The frenum is assessed and treatment is discussed
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthetic is injected to numb the area completely
3. Incision and Release: The frenum is released through precise incision, removing a small diamond-shaped area of tissue
4. Tissue Management: For labial frenectomy, the tissue may be repositioned to create a more favorable attachment
5. Sutures: Small absorbable sutures are placed to promote healing
6. Post-Operative Care: Detailed aftercare instructions and exercises are provided

Procedure Duration and Comfort

Types of Frenectomy

Cost of Frenectomy in Da Nang

Frenectomy at Picasso Dental Clinic is priced between USD $43 and USD $130:

• Infant tongue tie release: USD $43–$87
• Lingual frenectomy (child/adult): USD $65–$130
• Labial frenectomy: USD $43–$110

International Cost Comparison

Aftercare Following Frenectomy

For Infants

• Feed immediately after the procedure (breast or bottle)
• Perform stretching exercises as demonstrated, typically 3 to 4 times daily for 2 to 3 weeks
• Mild fussiness for 24 to 48 hours is normal
• Small white patch at the treatment site is normal healing tissue, not infection
• Contact us if there is excessive bleeding or the baby refuses to feed

For Children and Adults

• Take prescribed pain medication as needed (over-the-counter is usually sufficient)
• Eat soft foods for 2 to 3 days
• Rinse gently with warm salt water starting 24 hours after the procedure
• Perform prescribed tongue exercises 3 to 4 times daily for 3 to 4 weeks
• Avoid spicy, hot, or crunchy foods for the first week
• Resume normal oral hygiene gently, avoiding the surgical site for the first few days

Tongue Exercises (Post-Lingual Frenectomy)

• Tongue elevation: Touch the tip of the tongue to the roof of the mouth
• Tongue protrusion: Stick the tongue out as far as possible
• Tongue sweeps: Move the tongue from side to side, touching each corner of the mouth
• Tongue lift under lip: Lift the tongue to sweep the upper lip

These exercises are critical to preventing scar tissue formation and frenum reattachment.

Risks and Potential Complications

Bleeding

Minor bleeding during and after the procedure is normal and resolves with gentle pressure. Significant bleeding is very rare.

Reattachment

The most common concern following frenectomy is partial reattachment of the frenum due to scar tissue formation. Consistent post-operative stretching exercises significantly reduce this risk.

Infection

Post-operative infection is uncommon. Signs include increasing redness, swelling, fever, and pus discharge.

Temporary Discomfort

Mild to moderate soreness at the surgical site is expected for 3 to 7 days and is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.

Salivary Gland Injury

For lingual frenectomy, the sublingual salivary gland ducts are in proximity to the surgical area. Careful technique avoids injury to these structures.

Incomplete Release

Inadequate release of the frenum may result in persistent symptoms and the need for revision surgery. Thorough assessment and surgical planning minimize this risk.

Why Choose Picasso Dental Clinic at Vinmec Da Nang?

Hospital-Based Safety for All Ages

Performing frenectomy within Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital is especially reassuring for parents of infant patients, providing immediate access to pediatric medical support, neonatal care, and hospital-grade sterilization.

Experienced with Pediatric and Adult Patients

Dr. Le Ho Viet An and Dr. Le Thanh Toan treat patients of all ages, from newborn infants to adults, adapting their technique and communication style appropriately for each patient.

Precise Surgical Technique

Our dentists use precise, controlled techniques that achieve complete frenum release with minimal tissue trauma, promoting rapid healing and reducing the risk of reattachment.

Collaborative Care

We coordinate with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and orthodontists to ensure that frenectomy is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the patient’s underlying concerns.

Affordable and Accessible

With frenectomy starting at USD $43, this important procedure is accessible to all families, whether local residents or international visitors to Da Nang.

International Family Support

English-speaking clinicians, clear post-operative instructions, and exercise demonstrations ensure that international families can confidently manage aftercare following frenectomy.

Book Your Frenectomy Consultation

If you suspect that you, your child, or your infant may benefit from a frenectomy, contact Picasso Dental Clinic at Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital at 024 7308 8848. Our team will perform a thorough assessment, explain the procedure clearly, and provide expert care in a safe, comfortable hospital environment.