What is Tongue-Tie Surgery For Children All About?

If your child is suffering from ankyloglossia, you may wonder what tongue-tie surgery is for kids. This article will answer your questions about Frenuloplasty, the type of surgery used, and the recovery time after the surgery. You will also learn more about how Frenuloplasty differs from other types of speech disorders. You may visit tongue-tie surgery for children Los Angeles CA. And while tongue-tie surgery is not for every child, it can be beneficial in some situations.

Frenuloplasty

Children with cleft palates may have Frenuloplasty or tongue-tie surgery. The surgery is generally a safe procedure. Minor bleeding, including sublingual hematomas, is uncommon. Minor postoperative complications may include delayed wound healing and ulceration at the surgical site. Among the available case series, reoperation rates range from 0.1 to 27 percent. Some children have higher reoperation rates than adults.

After the surgery, patients can resume regular feedings and diets, although patients who have undergone local anesthetics may need to avoid hot liquids, such as coffee or tea. Postoperative exercises are required for a week. Some patients must perform mouth-stretching exercises to prevent scar tissue from developing. This can vary depending on the type of surgery performed. If your child needs frenulectomy surgery, your doctor can schedule it with their office.

Ankyloglossia

Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is a common congenital abnormality characterized by a restricted lingual frenulum. There is no set definition for the condition, and treatment options vary widely. The surgery aims to correct the kink and restore normal tongue mobility. However, it is essential to recognize that ankyloglossia isn’t a curable disorder and may require some surgery to correct it.

The problem is typically caused by a problem with the child’s frenulum, which guides incoming teeth into position. As we grow older, our frenulum thins and recedes. This can leave the tongue tied to the floor of the mouth, which can cause speech and swallowing problems. Children who have ankyloglossia may need surgery.

Pain after surgery

Pain after tongue-tie surgery is normal whether your child is a toddler or a teen. The doctor will prescribe pain relievers, such as acetaminophen. However, you should follow all postoperative instructions carefully. Your child may be unable to latch onto a breast or bottle for at least 30 minutes after the procedure. A doctor may also prescribe Motrin or Tylenol for pain relief.

There are two common surgical methods for treating tongue-tie: frenulotomy and Frenuloplasty. The frenulum is cut using a scalpel. Some babies don’t require anesthesia and can nurse right after the procedure. Although healing may be delayed for several days, breastfeeding will promote rapid recovery and reduce the pain after surgery. Depending on the type of surgery, your child may need multiple surgeries.

Ankyloglossia is not a speech disorder

Ankyloglossia is a rare genetic disorder with an X-linked cleft palate. The TBX22 gene is mutated in affected individuals. The disorder occurs more frequently in males than females, with a ratio of 1:1.1 to 3:1. Most cases are sporadic and isolated, although associations with other genetic syndromes have been noted.

Ankyloglossia does not cause snoring or sleep apnea, and its treatment is not primarily aimed at improving speech and swallowing. However, it may cause social problems, especially for school-age children. In addition to its linguistic and social implications, ankyloglossia can impair oral hygiene. As an adult, individuals with this disorder may experience difficulty in breastfeeding and playing wind instruments.

Surgical options

Surgical options for tongue-tie in children include frenotomy (cutting of the tissue that restricts the tongue’s movement) and Frenuloplasty (rearranging the tissues). The surgeries require an incision in the mouth and may be performed under general anesthesia or without it. After the surgery, the child can feed and drink normally, but complete healing may take up to two weeks.

If the condition is mild, several non-surgical treatments can be used. Children with mild tongue ties may not need treatment. Over time, the frenulum should naturally move backward. However, surgery may be necessary if the child’s tongue tie is severe enough to hinder the child’s ability to speak, breastfeed, or eat solid foods. Surgical options for tongue-tie in children vary from case to case.