Tongue-tie surgery is another name for ankyloglossia surgery. Ankyloglossia is a condition in which there is an unusually tight, short, or thick band of tissue that is holding the tongue’s tip down to the floor of the mouth. This is called the lingual frenulum. This condition isn’t always troublesome, but in some cases, it could make it difficult for a person to speak or eat normally.
When Should a Tongue Tie Surgery Take Place?
In most cases, a tongue-tie surgery, which is also known as a frenotomy or frenuloplasty, is performed shortly after a child’s birth and before they’re discharged from the hospital. Sometimes, parents choose to wait and see how their child does with the lingual frenulum in place.
In some cases, the lingual frenulum loosens up on its own, effectively curing the condition without intervention. In other cases, speech-language pathologists and speech therapy could help with speaking, and a consultation with a lactation consultant could help with breastfeeding issues.
Sometimes, surgery is needed. It may be performed on babies, children, or adults if the tongue-tie condition causes problems.
How Does a Frenotomy Work?
A frenotomy is a procedure in which sterile scissors are used to snip the frenulum free. The discomfort from this procedure is minimal because there are not many nerves or blood vessels in this part of the body. Rarely, there is a little blood, though that is uncommon. Additionally, babies can breastfeed immediately after the procedure is done.
The procedure itself has only a few potential complications including:
- Damage to the salivary glands
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to the tongue
- Scarring
- The reattachment of the frenulum at the base of the tongue
In most cases, there are no complications, and this simple, momentary procedure releases the tongue for better movement.
How Does a Frenuloplasty Work?
A frenuloplasty is different because it is more intensive. This procedure is usually recommended when the lingual frenulum is too thick for the frenotomy to work or when additional repairs of some kind are needed.
With this procedure, the infant, child, or adult will undergo general anesthesia. Then, surgical tools are used to release the frenulum. Sutures (also known as stitches) are then used to close the wound and allow the tongue to heal.
After this, tongue exercises may be advised to help improve tongue movement and to reduce the likelihood of scarring.
Just like with a frenotomy, there are possible complications. Some potential complications could include:
- Infection of the wound
- Damage to the tongue
- Damage to the salivary glands
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Reactions to anesthesia
Fortunately, these complications are rare.
Can a Dentist Perform a Frenuloplasty or Frenotomy?
Your dentist or orthopedic surgeon may be able to perform a frenotomy or frenuloplasty in the office or at a local outpatient facility if they believe that you or your child need to have it performed. These are both dental procedures.
Dentists aren’t the only people who perform these surgeries, however. Other medical providers and surgeons may also be able to perform this simple surgery at the hospital before a child comes home after birth or in another clinical care setting.
Contact Greenwood Dental to Discuss a Tongue Tie Surgery Today
At Greenwood Dental, we want to make sure that you and your child are always comfortable. If your child is struggling to nurse, has trouble talking, or is having difficulty with other movements because of a tight lingual frenulum, then a tongue-tie surgery may be a good option. We would be happy to speak with you about our restorative dentistry services at your next appointment. Call us today to learn more at [direct], or contact us online.
