Lingual Frenectomy
Tongue-tie is the abnormal restriction of the lingual frenum, which is the membrane that connects the floor of the mouth with the underside of your tongue. Patients who have tongue-tie may face a variety of challenges, especially in their ability to clearly articulate words. Additional complications associated with tongue-tie include difficulty eating and increased risk of periodontal diseases. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected through a simple surgical intervention known as a lingual frenectomy.
Lingual frenectomy is a simple procedure that involves the careful removal of the frenum, using either a scalpel or laser. Once the frenum has been removed, your tongue will have restored mobility and will be better able to perform basic tasks, such as speaking and swallowing.
Infant Lingual Frenectomy
Most lingual frenectomies are performed on infants, especially infants who are struggling to nurse. Newborns with tongue-tie typically have greater difficulty latching onto their mother’s breast. Following a lingual frenectomy, the majority of infants will be able to more readily nurse, ensuring they receiving the needed nutritional intake, which is critical for their overall growth and health.
One of the most notable issues found in a person needing a lingual frenectomy is is difficulty speaking. Although children with tongue-tie may struggle with speech during their formative years, the success rate of these children following a lingual frenectomy is very high, and they are often able to speak with noticeably improved clarity following the procedure.
Individuals who do not receive this intervention are at an increased risk of developing conditions such as:
- Periodontal disease
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Tooth crowding
- Malocclusion.
The role of the tongue in oral hygiene is crucial, as it helps clean food debris from the mouth which reduces your risk of developing periodontal disease. A successful frenectomy will restore the tongue back to its vital functionality and promote better oral hygiene while reducing the risk of future dental complications.
Due to the restriction caused by tongue-tie, extra strain can occur to surrounding muscles, particularly in the neck and jaw, which may result in muscle tightness, poor posture, and teeth grinding. Individuals who have frenum issues are also more likely to resort to mouth breathing, which can lead to a series of health issues, including enlarged tonsils and adenoids, frequent ear infections, and various sleep-disordered breathing problems such as sleep apnea.
Untreated tongue-tie can also affect day-to-day activities, making simple tasks like licking an ice cream cone, giving a kiss, or even whistling become difficult or even impossible to do. In addition to these added difficulties, untreated tongue-tie can also lead to physical discomfort on a daily basis. While tongue-tie can cause a range of challenges that may affect individuals of all ages, if timely intervention occurs through a lingual frenectomy, many of the associated difficulties—feeding, speech, or overall oral health—can be resolved. This is why it is so important to be able to recognize the signs of tongue-tie. If diagnosed early and treatment is sought, you will be able to address issues before they develop and eliminate some of the complications that can arise from a troublesome frenum.