Treatment:

Surgery is seldom necessary. If it is needed, it should be postponed, if possible, until the child is about 9 months old. Occasionally, feeding problems require that surgery be done earlier.

Surgery involves cutting the abnormally placed tissue. If the child has a mild case of tongue tie, the surgery may be done in the doctor's office. More severe cases are done in a hospital operating room. A surgical reconstruction procedure called a z-plasty closure may be required to prevent scar tissue formation.

Expectations (prognosis):

Surgery, if performed, is usually successful.

Complications:

The complications are rare, but recurrence of tongue tie, tongue swelling, bleeding, infection, and damage to the ducts of the salivary glands may occur.

Calling your health care provider:

If you are concerned that your child may have tongue tie, have your health care provider examine it during a routine well-baby examination.