Tongue Frenulum Plastic Surgery

Tongue frenulum plastic surgery is a minimally invasive dental procedure aimed at correcting the mobility and functionality of the tongue by correcting the elastic fold that connects it to the lower jaw. This fold is responsible for the tongue’s mobility, pronunciation of sounds, and chewing food.

The necessity for tongue frenulum plastic surgery is dictated by natural reasons. A harmoniously developed oral cavity ensures the effective functioning of all its components. Developmental disorders can lead to various pathologies that can affect both individual functions of the oral cavity and the entire dental system.

The standard length of the tongue frenulum in children is approximately 8 mm, while in adults, it can reach 30 mm. It is optimal to perform tongue frenulum plastic surgery in childhood to prevent the development of pathology and its clinical impact on the entire body later on. However, there are situations when the procedure is recommended for adults and even elderly patients.

Causes of Short Tongue Frenulum

The most common cause of tongue frenulum anomaly is considered to be genetic predisposition (the condition is inherited from one of the parents). However, there are other factors influencing the shape and size of the frenulum, such as:

Trauma to the expectant mother during pregnancy.
Infection of the woman with infectious diseases during pregnancy.
Toxic effects of certain chemicals on the body.
Taking certain medications.
Poor environmental conditions in the place of residence.

Timely diagnosis of pathology allows preventing numerous problems for the child as they grow up, so regular preventive check-ups from an early age are necessary.

Indications for Tongue Frenulum Plastic Surgery

Distortion in pronunciation of sounds and improper diction.
Malocclusion.
Disturbance in the process of food chewing.
Breathing problems.
Asymmetrical development of jaws and facial contour.
Reduced mobility, improper, and disproportionate shape of the tongue.
Improper attachment of the tongue to the mucous membrane, leading to reduced mobility.
Some dental diseases.
Improper jaw development.
Problems with the installation of certain orthodontic or orthopedic constructions.

Contraindications for Tongue Frenulum Plastic Surgery

Dental caries.
Coagulation disorders.
Oncological diseases.
Mental disorders.
Malignant neoplasms.
Leukemia and hemophilia.
Gum pathologies.
Chronic diseases of the oral cavity.

Methods of Tongue Frenulum Plastic Surgery

Modern dentistry offers a choice of one of the following methods of tongue frenulum plastic surgery, depending on the specific clinical picture:

Frenuloplasty – excision of the frenulum with a V- or Z-shaped incision and fixation in another location.

Frenotomy – transverse incision of the frenulum in case of its diagnosis as too short or narrow.

Frenectomy – excision of a certain area of the frenulum if it is too large.

Frenectomy is considered the most invasive and radical method. The operation to excise the tongue frenulum is performed using a scalpel or laser, with laser correction being more comfortable for the patient, as the tissues along the incision edge are cauterized, sealing the blood vessels, which reduces the duration of the rehabilitation period.

How Tongue Frenulum Plastic Surgery is Performed

After diagnosis, preparatory procedures (coagulogram, X-ray, and others), and oral cavity sanitation, the dentist performs the following manipulations:

1. Anesthesia of the operative area using applicative (placing a swab with an anesthetic under the tongue) and injectable (puncture with a syringe and injection of an anesthetic agent) anesthesia.

2. Fixation of the tongue in the required position with a special device.

3. Incision of the frenulum according to the prepared treatment plan using appropriate instruments (scalpel or laser).

4. Approximation of the wound edges and suturing.

Direct medical manipulations for tongue frenulum excision take no more than 30 minutes during one session.

Postoperative Recommendations for Tongue Frenulum Plastic Surgery

The recovery period after tongue frenulum excision surgery is short (usually no more than 5 days).

During this period, the patient may experience mild pain and discomfort, which quickly subsides.

To shorten the rehabilitation period and facilitate quick recovery after surgery, it is recommended to follow these instructions:

Conduct careful and thorough oral hygiene.
Avoid consuming excessively hot, cold, acidic, or salty foods for some time.
Minimize tongue movements.
Rinse the mouth frequently.
Seek assistance from a speech therapist if necessary for diction correction.
Engage in myogymnastics.
Undergo a preventive examination by a dentist to diagnose the postoperative condition of the oral cavity and remove sutures.

A successful tongue frenulum excision operation significantly improves the lives of patients, allowing them to experience new sensations and enjoy life to the fullest.

Find out the standard cost of tongue frenulum plastic surgery at ORTHO clinic at the link or during a free consultation with our specialists after diagnosis.