A tongue-tie can make it difficult for infants to feed, and it can lead to speech and chewing issues in children and adults. It’s therefore best to address the problem as soon as possible via a frenectomy. Before committing to this procedure, however, you should make sure that you have a clear idea of what you can expect. Below is an overview of what typically happens before, during, and after tongue-tie treatment.
Before Tongue-Tie Treatment
Before a tongue-tie can be treated, it needs to be diagnosed. A trained oral surgeon can check for signs of restricted tongue movement. This can include difficulty pronouncing certain words or having trouble sticking the tongue out.
If a tongue-tie is indeed present, your oral surgeon will explain what measures can be taken to resolve the issue. Be sure to voice any questions or concerns you might have about the procedure or any steps you should be taking to get ready for it.
During Tongue-Tie Treatment
The first step of a frenectomy is to numb the mouth with a local anesthetic; this will help ensure that there’s little to no discomfort during the procedure. After that, the oral surgeon will carefully remove or release the overly restrictive frenulum, thus allowing for freer movement of the tongue.
A standard frenectomy can often be completed in about 15 to 30 minutes. The exact length of the procedure can vary depending on the situation; particularly complex cases tend to take more time to treat.
After Tongue-Tie Treatment
It usually takes a matter of weeks for the mouth to fully recover after a tongue-tie treatment. It’s normal to experience some soreness after the procedure. The discomfort will eventually fade away on its own; until then, it can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Your oral surgeon may recommend performing special stretches during the recovery process. The purpose of these stretches is to prevent the mouth from healing in a way that causes the tongue-tie to reform. They should generally be performed about three to six times a day.
When it comes to eating after tongue-tie treatment, infants are able to breastfeed immediately after the procedure. Meanwhile, children and adults should plan on sticking to a diet of soft foods until the mouth has sufficiently healed.
Having a tongue-tie treated can make all the difference for a person’s quality of life in the long run. If you suspect that you or your child has an overly restricted tongue, don’t be afraid to reach out to your oral surgeon to see what sort of solution they recommend.
About the Author
Dr. Sheng Ji is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Fair Oaks. He graduated from the UT Southwestern School of Medicine, and he completed a residency at UT Southwestern/Parkland. At his current practice, he offers a wide range of oral surgery services, including tongue-tie treatment for patients of all ages. If you believe that you or someone in your family might benefit from a frenectomy, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Ji by visiting his website or calling (916) 961-1902.