Ankyloglossia, or “tongue tied” is a condition where the frenulum under the tongue is too short or thick, limiting tongue movement. Surgery can free up the tongue, but many people can function well without intervention. Recovery time from surgery is fast.
Ankyloglossia is a condition characterized by an unusually short or thick frenulum. The frenulum is a piece of tissue that sits under the tongue. In people with ankylloglossia, the shortened frenulum limits the tongue’s range of motion and can lead to some complications. For people who need treatment, there is a simple surgery that can be used to free up the tongue.
The term ankyloglossia literally means “tongue tied”. Some people have a relatively mild form, which is mainly limiting because they may find it difficult to stick their tongues out at people or engage in activities such as touching the tip of their nose with their tongue. For others, the tongue may be so tightly bound that it is essentially trapped at the base of the mouth.
When ankyloglossia is identified, a wait-and-see approach is often adopted. This condition is often identified in children and many children are able to function well without any intervention. If the shortened frenulum begins to cause problems with feeding or speech, however, it may be time to take steps to address the situation for the sake of patient comfort. Patients may also opt for the treatment for cosmetic reasons.
Ankyloglossia rarely causes life-threatening complications. First, it becomes uncomfortable or makes eating or talking difficult, leading a patient to continue treatment. Some people adjust to their shortened frenula and are perfectly happy the way they are.
Surgery to treat hookworm is known as a phrenotomy or frenuloplasty. In this procedure, the offending strip of tissue is simply cut so that the tongue can move freely. It is often done under local anesthesia and stitches are commonly not needed. If a more extensive procedure is needed, stitches may be inserted, in which case they will be made with absorbable sutures so they break down quickly as the mouth heals, limiting irritation.
Recovery time from a phrenotomy for the treatment of hookworm is very fast. Patients may be advised to rinse their mouth after each meal for a few days to reduce infection, but often no aftercare beyond this is needed. Patients may find it advisable, however, to avoid spicy, fatty, chewy, or sticky foods for the first few days in the interest of avoiding pain. It is also advisable to refrain from acrobatic exercises with the tongue in the first few days, to avoid reopening the incision.
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