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52081 - Tongue Tie Release

MBS service description:

TONGUE TIE, division or excision of frenulum (Anaes.)
Schedule Fee:
52.95
@85% Benefit Fee:
45.05
@75% Benefit Fee:
45.05
Last updated on
March 29, 2025

When is item code 52081 (Tongue Tie Release) typically used?

The need for division or excision of the tongue tie (frenulum) arises when a patient has a short or tight lingual frenulum restricting tongue movement, causing difficulties with speech, feeding, or oral hygiene, requiring surgical release under anesthesia. This condition, often congenital, can persist into adulthood if untreated, and is indicated when the restriction impairs quality of life or development. It is critical in the maxillofacial region where tongue mobility is vital for articulation, swallowing, and dental health.

Specific indications include:

  • Infant feeding: A tight frenulum in a baby might hinder breastfeeding, needing division for proper latch and nutrition.
  • Speech issues: A restricted tongue in a child or adult can cause lisping or unclear speech, requiring release for clarity.
  • Oral hygiene: Limited tongue movement might trap food, increasing decay risk, needing excision for access.
  • Discomfort: A tight frenulum causing pain or tension during movement prompts surgery for relief.

For instance, a toddler with a tongue tie affecting speech development might need this to improve articulation, done in a clinic. In aged care, an elderly patient with a newly symptomatic frenulum from denture use could benefit from this to enhance swallowing, given their frailty. By cutting or removing the frenulum, this service frees tongue motion, resolves symptoms, and supports oral function, making it a straightforward yet impactful solution for tongue tie in the maxillofacial area.

Benefits to the patient

Surgeons dividing or excising the patient’s tongue tie under anesthesia deliver functional and comfort benefits. A key advantage is improved tongue mobility. This procedure frees the patient’s tongue, enhancing their ability to speak or feed—vital for 'tongue tie treatment benefits.' It also enhances speech or feeding by correcting restrictive tissue, improving the patient’s communication or nutrition. Additionally, it reduces discomfort by eliminating tension, boosting the patient’s quality of life. For surgeons researching 'tongue tie division advantages,' this service ensures patients experience better mobility, improved function, and comfort, making it an effective fix for tongue tie issues.

Recovery considerations

Recovery of a few days with mild soreness; quick return to normal activity.

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