Tongue-Tie Treatment in Seoul
Assessment and release of a restrictive lingual frenulum for children and adults in Gangnam. Function is checked first, because a visible tongue tie does not always need treatment.
- Since 2002
- 13 dentists
- In-house lab
- EN · 中文 · 日本語
Does a tongue tie need to be treated?
Not always. A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) needs treatment only when the short frenulum limits function, such as feeding, speech, swallowing or oral hygiene. At Gangnam One Day Dental Clinic the dentist assesses tongue movement and function first. If release is advised, it is a short procedure under local anaesthetic, usually 15–30 minutes, followed by tongue exercises during healing.
Reviewed by Dr. Kim Jin-hwan , Chief Director · Updated October 5, 2026
Function, not appearance, decides treatment
The lingual frenulum is the fold of tissue under the tongue. In a tongue tie it is short, thick or attached near the tip, limiting how far the tongue can lift and move. Many people have a mild tie with no problems at all, so the clinic's approach is that a tongue tie is treated only when it causes functional difficulty.
The assessment looks at how high the tongue lifts, how far it extends, whether the tip notches into a heart shape, and how this affects eating, speech and cleaning the teeth. For speech concerns, input from a speech therapist is often helpful.
- Feeding difficulties linked to restricted tongue movement
- Speech sounds that need tongue-tip elevation (such as l, t, d, r)
- Difficulty licking the lips or clearing food from the teeth
- Swallowing pattern concerns
- Tension under the tongue, or a gap between the lower front teeth
Frenotomy, frenectomy and frenuloplasty
A frenotomy is a simple release of a thin frenulum. A frenectomy removes or releases a larger portion of the tissue. A frenuloplasty releases the tissue and repositions it with stitches, used for thicker ties or where scarring needs to be limited.
The method is chosen after examination. Procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic. The clinic's 13 dentists include an oral and maxillofacial surgery department, and children are seen within the clinic's children's dental care.
Not sure if this is right for you? Send a photo or X-ray — a dentist replies on WhatsApp in English, Chinese or Japanese.
Get a free opinionHealing and tongue exercises
Most people feel mild soreness for 2–3 days. A white or yellow patch at the site is normal healing tissue, not infection. Gentle tongue exercises, shown at the visit, help stop the tissue from reattaching as it heals over 1–2 weeks.
If speech or swallowing habits have formed around the tie, therapy after release helps the tongue learn its new range. Families visiting from abroad can plan the follow-up check before returning home; see family dentistry for other care during the same stay.
| Frenotomy | Frenectomy | Frenuloplasty | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suited to | Thin, simple tie | Thicker or more restrictive tie | Thick tie; reshaping needed |
| Tissue | Released | Removed or released | Released and repositioned |
| Stitches | Usually none | Sometimes | Yes |
| Typical healing | About 1 week | 1–2 weeks | About 2 weeks |
How it works at Oneday Dental
- Before visit
Send photos and concerns
Share photos of the tongue raised and describe feeding, speech or other concerns on WhatsApp.
- Visit 1
Functional assessment
Tongue movement and function are assessed, and treatment is advised only if it is likely to help.
- Visit 1 or later
Release procedure
Under local anaesthetic, the frenulum is released by the method chosen; stitches are placed if needed.
- Days 1–14
Exercises and healing
Gentle tongue stretches are done several times a day to prevent reattachment.
- About 1–2 weeks
Follow-up
Healing and range of movement are checked; speech or swallowing therapy is suggested if helpful.
Things to know before you decide
- Release does not automatically improve speech; therapy is often needed to change established habits.
- The tissue can reattach if post-operative exercises are not done.
- Bleeding, swelling and soreness for a few days are common; injury to the nearby salivary ducts is uncommon.
- A tongue tie that causes no functional problem usually does not need treatment.
- Newborn feeding problems have many causes; assessment with a lactation or feeding specialist is recommended alongside dental advice.
Experience you can check
- 2002Founded in Gangnam — 24 years
- 13Dentists in 5 departments
- 3Clinic buildings, 1,570 m²
- 0.01 mmT-Scan bite-force detail
Vice President, Korean Academy of Stomatognathic Function & Occlusion · author on T-Scan implant occlusion (IGI Global)
Tongue-Tie Treatment: common questions
At what age can tongue-tie be treated?
Is tongue-tie release painful?
Will tongue-tie surgery fix my child's speech?
How much does tongue-tie treatment cost in Seoul?
Can adults get a tongue tie released?
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