Tongue Tie Procedure (Ankyloglossia)

The frenulum (remnant tissue a part of the facial structure) usually disappears or reduces to a very slight membrane, which is elastic and does not disturb the tongues movement or disrupt function. Similarly, webs of tissue can also occur joining the cheeks or lips to the gums and these create a ‘tongue-tie’. When the frenulum does cause problems it is because of tightness, thickness or width and affects functions of the tongue in various ways.

The risks associated are rare. There is a very small risk of bleeding, infection or scarring of the frenulum requiring revision surgery.

It’s never too late to have the tongue-tie procedure.  Adults with this problem have found after the procedure to have improved their daily life immensely. These include:

• Ability to chew better,
• Not biting their tongues or cheeks when chewing
• A sense of space in the mouth
• Improvements with speech, not having to think before speaking
• Relief of tight, clicky jaws, tension headaches and migraine
• Improved oral and dental health

However, habits acquired while the tongue tie is present will be harder to get rid of in an older person. Speech therapy after surgical revision may be recommended.

Despite tongue-tie being very common, it’s often not diagnosed even when it causes problems. Tongue-tie often runs in families. Some relatives may only have mild effects or no apparent symptoms while others show a severe impact on structure and function.