Most people have heard of tongue-tie, but many don’t know exactly what it is. Tongue-tie is a condition that can make it difficult to move the tongue. It’s also called ankyloglossia. Tongue-tie occurs when the strip of tissue (lingual frenulum) that connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight. This can make it difficult to stick out the tongue or move it from side to side. If you think your child or newborn has a tongue-tie, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. Tongue-tie can also affect how a person eats, speaks, and breathes.
What is frenectomy?
Frenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a frenulum. The frenulum is a small fold of tissue that attaches the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Frenectomy is also called tongue-tie surgery. A tongue-tie release can help improve these functions by freeing up the movement of the tongue. Lip tie and tongue tie can be corrected through surgery. However, frenectomy treatment is not always necessary.
Frenectomy is usually done as a day surgery, which means your child can go home the same day. The procedure takes about 30 minutes. Your child will be given general anesthesia for the procedure. This means your child will be asleep and pain-free during the surgery.
If your child is scheduled for a frenectomy, your doctor may have resources available to show you what to expect from the frenectomy before and after the surgery. They will also recommend some things you can do to help them prepare before the procedure. Here are a few tips:
- Talk to your child about what will happen during the procedure. It’s important that they understand what will be happening to feel more comfortable and relaxed.
- Help them practice deep breathing exercises. This will help them stay calm during the procedure.
- Let your child know that it’s okay to feel scared or nervous. Reassure them that you’ll be there with them every step of the way.
- Make sure they eat a good meal before the procedure. This will help to prevent any nausea or vomiting during or after the surgery.
- Help them get dressed in loose, comfortable clothing. This will help patients feel more relaxed and will also allow the doctor to access the area that needs to be operated on more easily.
- Finally, be there for your child during and after the frenectomy. Hold their hand, offer words of comfort, and let them know that you’re there for them no matter what.
After the surgery, your child may have some soreness in their mouth. They may also have some bruising around their lips. These symptoms should go away within a few days. You will need to take care of your child’s incision site. Keep the area clean and dry. You may also need to give your child pain medication for a few days after the surgery. Your child should be able to eat, drink, and brush their teeth normally after the surgery. They can also return to their normal activities.
If you are considering tongue tie laser surgery in Sydney, be sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor to ensure that it is the right decision for you. The procedure involves using a laser to make a small incision in the tissue under the tongue, releasing the tissue and allowing the tongue to move more freely.
Most people with tongue-tie don’t have any problems with it. But some may have trouble sticking out their tongue, which can affect eating, speaking, and oral hygiene. Tongue-tie can also make it difficult to breastfeed. Laser surgery is a quick and effective way to treat tongue tie.
