Lingual frenectomy
Lingual Frenectomy is a surgical procedure performed to correct a condition known as Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie. This condition is characterized by an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (the lingual frenulum) tethering the bottom of the tongue's tip to the floor of the mouth.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The procedure involves the removal or alteration of the lingual frenulum. This can be done using a number of different techniques, including traditional surgery, laser surgery, or a frenotomy. The choice of technique depends on the specific needs of the patient and the judgement of the healthcare provider.
Traditional Surgery[edit | edit source]
In a traditional lingual frenectomy, a surgeon will use a scalpel to cut the frenulum. The wound is then stitched up to heal.
Laser Surgery[edit | edit source]
In a laser lingual frenectomy, a laser is used to cut the frenulum. The laser cauterizes the wound as it cuts, reducing bleeding and often eliminating the need for stitches.
Frenotomy[edit | edit source]
A frenotomy is a less invasive procedure that can be used in some cases. It involves making a small cut in the frenulum to loosen it and allow the tongue more freedom of movement.
Indications[edit | edit source]
A lingual frenectomy may be indicated for a number of reasons. These can include difficulty with speech, difficulty with eating or swallowing, or issues with oral hygiene due to the inability to properly clean the area under the tongue. In infants, a tongue-tie can cause problems with breastfeeding.
Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]
As with any surgical procedure, a lingual frenectomy carries some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, damage to the tongue or other oral structures, and complications related to anesthesia. There may also be changes in speech or sensation in the tongue following the procedure.
Recovery[edit | edit source]
Recovery from a lingual frenectomy generally involves a period of healing and may include exercises to improve tongue mobility and flexibility. Pain and swelling are common in the first few days after the procedure, but these symptoms usually resolve within a week.
See Also[edit | edit source]
| Lingual frenectomy Resources | |
|---|---|
|
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
