Adult Frenectomies
Treating Tongue-Ties And Lip-Ties In Adults
At Gentle Endodontics, Dr. Black treats tongue-ties and lip-ties in adults along with children. When left untreated, these conditions can cause jaw pain and problems with speech, dental hygiene, swallowing and even digestion. They can often be corrected with frenectomies—minor surgeries that release the tongue-tie or lip-tie and improve the range of motion.
What Is A Tongue-Tie Or Lip-Tie?
Tongue-tie and lip-tie are conditions in which the tissue that connects the tongue or lip to the floor of the mouth, called the frenulum, is too tight or thick, limiting the movement of the tongue or lip. This can occur due to genetics, or it may be the result of an injury or trauma.
While tongue-ties and lip-ties are commonly associated with breastfeeding difficulties in infants, they can also affect adults. In some cases, adults may not even be aware that they have a tongue-tie until they experience problems related to it.
Symptoms Of Tongue-Ties And Lip-Ties In Adults
An uncorrected tongue-tie or lip-tie from infancy might go undetected for years, but result in symptoms during adulthood. Here are some possible effects of these conditions in adults:
Are Adult Frenectomies More Difficult Than Child Frenectomies?
Tongue-ties are typically easier to treat in children than in adults. This is because the frenulum, the tissue that connects the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is thinner and more pliable in children, which makes it easier to release than in adult frenectomies.
In adults, the frenulum may be thicker and less pliable, making it more difficult to release. Adult patients may require a more involved surgical procedure, such as a frenuloplasty, which involves making a larger incision to release the frenulum and then suturing the area to promote healing. Patients will likely need to perform tongue exercises to help retrain their tongue muscles to function properly after adult frenectomies.
Preparing For Your Procedure
If you suspect that you have a tongue or lip-tie, schedule a consultation with Dr. Black. He will perform a physical examination and discuss your medical history to diagnose the condition. If you are diagnosed with a tongue-tie or lip-tie, he will most likely recommend the frenectomy procedure, unless a more involved procedure, such as frenuloplasty, is necessary. Dr. Black will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
We recommend patients prepare for adult frenectomies by:
What To Expect From Adult Frenectomies
Dr. Black is highly experienced at performing adult frenectomies, which are generally straightforward procedures. The specifics of your surgery will vary based on the thickness and tightness of your frenulum, but patients can expect adult frenectomies to follow these steps:
Recovering From Adult Frenectomies
Adult frenectomies typically take less than an hour, and patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days to a week. Our team will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to help prevent complications and ensure a quick and successful recovery. You may experience some discomfort, swelling or bleeding after the adult frenectomy procedure, which is normal. These symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs.
After surgery, adult frenectomy patients may need to perform exercises designed to stretch the tongue. Dr. Black will provide specific instructions for these exercises, including how often and how long they will need to be performed.