A tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition where the band of tissue (called the frenulum) that connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too tight or short. This can limit the tongue’s movement and cause a variety of issues, including difficulty with feeding, speaking, and swallowing. For many people, a simple surgical tongue tie release is an effective solution to resolve these problems and improve their quality of life. Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware provides treatment to release a tongue tie.
What is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie occurs when the frenulum is unusually tight or short, restricting the movement of the tongue. This can make it difficult for a person to lift, move, or stretch their tongue freely. Tongue ties can be present at birth and may not always cause problems right away. In some cases, individuals with tongue ties experience no symptoms and never require treatment. However, for others, it can lead to a range of issues, particularly if left untreated.
Why Do You Need a Tongue Tie Release?
There are several reasons why someone might need a surgical tongue tie release. The procedure is typically recommended when the tongue tie is causing significant problems that affect day-to-day activities such as feeding, speaking, or swallowing. Below are some of the common reasons why people seek treatment for a tongue tie:
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Feeding Difficulties: Babies with tongue ties may struggle to latch properly during breastfeeding, which can result in poor nutrition, frustration, and discomfort for both the baby and the mother.
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Speech Issues: Children or adults with tongue ties may have difficulty pronouncing certain words or sounds, such as “t,” “d,” “l,” or “r.” This can lead to speech delays or problems that may affect communication.
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Swallowing Problems: A restricted tongue can make it difficult to swallow food or liquids properly, which may lead to choking or discomfort during eating.
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Dental Problems: A tongue tie can sometimes interfere with proper mouth movement, which can lead to poor oral hygiene, speech issues, or even misalignment of the teeth.
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Pain or Discomfort: In some cases, a tongue tie can cause discomfort when moving the tongue, especially if there is significant tightness. This discomfort can impact everyday activities, such as chewing, speaking, or even kissing.
The Surgical Tongue Tie Release Process
A surgical tongue tie release, also known as a frenotomy or frenuloplasty, is a simple and quick procedure designed to release the tight frenulum, allowing for more movement of the tongue. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Consultation and Evaluation
Before undergoing a surgical tongue tie release, you’ll first meet with Dr. Conor Campbell for a consultation. During this appointment, Dr. Campbell will evaluate your or your child’s tongue tie and discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing. In some cases, a frenotomy may be done on infants or young children, while older children and adults may undergo a more advanced procedure (frenuloplasty) if the frenulum is thicker or more fibrous.
The Procedure
The actual release of the tongue tie is typically a quick, straightforward procedure. For infants, the procedure is often done in a clinic or office setting with local anesthesia to numb the area. The surgeon will use a sterile instrument to cut the frenulum, freeing up the tongue’s movement.
In older children and adults, the procedure may be done with a local anesthetic or in some cases, with mild sedation, depending on the age and comfort level of the patient. The frenulum is carefully snipped, releasing the tension and allowing for a more natural tongue movement. The procedure itself typically takes only a few minutes and is relatively painless due to the local anesthetic used.
Post-Procedure Care
After the procedure, most patients experience little discomfort. Some mild swelling or tenderness may occur, but this typically subsides within a few days. If the frenotomy was done on an infant, parents may be instructed to engage in gentle tongue exercises to ensure the tongue is used properly during breastfeeding. In the case of older children or adults, speech therapy or tongue exercises may be recommended to help with proper tongue movement and improve speech and swallowing.
What to Expect After Surgery
The recovery process from a tongue tie release is usually quick. Most patients can resume normal activities the same day or within a day or two. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
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Mild Discomfort: It’s common to experience mild pain or discomfort after the procedure. This can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications or prescribed pain relievers.
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Tongue Exercises: For optimal results, patients may be instructed to perform gentle tongue exercises to help improve mobility and strength. These exercises are especially important for infants, children, and adults who are recovering from a more complex procedure.
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Follow-Up Appointments: A follow-up visit may be scheduled to ensure the tongue tie release is healing properly and that the tongue’s movement is improving. For older patients, speech therapy may be recommended to help with any speech issues caused by the tongue tie.
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Dietary Adjustments: After the procedure, individuals may be advised to avoid certain foods that could irritate the surgical site. Soft foods and plenty of fluids are often recommended for the first few days.