Treatment of a tight tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is controversial, and is performed in a variety of ways. In this brief, we will address the most common treatments, as well as give you advise on what type of treatment you should pursue.
The possible treatments are the same, even if it is an infant, a baby, a child or an adult that is to be treated.
Frenotomy
A frenotomy is simply put cutting the frenulum that runs underneath the tongue. It is a procedure that can be performed both with scissors and laser and that is performed under local anesthesia.
Both types of procedures are typically very quick, ranging from 1 to 5 minutes, with laser surgery being the fastest, as laser surgery does not require stitching.
In both cases, discomfort is minimal, and usually does not cause pain for more than a very short time. Babies can breast-feed immediately after the procedure.
Frenuloplasty
A more extensive procedure known as a frenuloplasty might be recommended if the lingual frenulum underneath the tongue is too thick for a frenotomy.
The frenuloplasty is done under general anesthesia with surgical tools. The wound is thereafter closed with sutures that dissipate within the first week or that has to be removed.
The frenuloplasty usually takes longer than the frenotomy, around 15-20 minutes and causes more discomfort after the procedure.
What to chose?
The best treatment is undoubtedly a frenotomy by laser. In all cases you should always request this treatment from your practitioner. The reason for this is that the laser cuts more precisely than a scissor, thereby making a smaller wound, that is more inclined heal correctly and is easier to perform aftercare on.
Remember to do proper aftercare, read how here.
If your practitioner does not condone laser frenotomy, you are advised to consult another practitioner. In some cases a frenuloplasty with surgical tools is required, however you should only take this advise if the practitioner you consult conducts laser frenotomies to ensure that this option has been weighed in.
For a list of practitioners, read here.
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