Lip Tie Release

Lip tie release is a minor dental procedure in which your dentist cuts a piece of tissue that connects and restricts the upper lip from moving around freely. Cutting this tissue, called the frenulum, during lip tie release often makes eating, chewing, and speaking easier.

The frenulum that connects your upper lip to nearby gum tissue is too stiff, short, or thick if you have lip tie. Common symptoms of the condition include:

• Reduced upper lip movement.
• Stiff upper lip.
• Reduced lip range of motion.
• Difficulty breastfeeding in babies.
• Problems chewing.
• Reduced weight gain or growth in babies.
• Making clicking sounds during infant feeding.

Because lip tie can cause serious problems for babies and young children, your provider often recommends tongue tie release at an early age.

Our experts at Dental Specialists of New Jersey will let you know if you or your child is a candidate for lip tie release after discussing their symptoms and oral health history with you. We will examine the lips, tongue, teeth, gums, and mouth of your child and take dental X-rays if needed. We will then personalize a treatment to match your child’s needs.

During lip tie release procedures, we will numb the treatment area and offer a sedative to help you or your child relax. We may use a laser or other specialized dental tools to cut restrictive soft tissues beneath your upper lip.

After lip tie procedures, it’s important to follow all aftercare instructions. Take medications as directed by your dentist to reduce the risk of infection and discomfort. You can expect some redness, tenderness, and swelling during the healing process.

Your dentist may recommend following a soft-food diet while affected soft tissues heal. Attend follow-up appointments so we can evaluate the results and ensure the best outcome possible.