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 the frenectomy procedure—a minor surgery that releases the tongue-tie or lip-tie and improves 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:

A tight or thick frenulum can impact speech by making it difficult to properly pronounce certain sounds. This can lead to speech impediments, such as a lisp.

The restricted movement of the tongue and lip can make it harder to swallow food and drink, which can lead to choking.

The limited movement of the tongue and lip can make it difficult to properly clean the mouth, leading to bad breath, and increased risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and misaligned teeth. Adults with this condition may also have noticeable gaps between the bottom front teeth that will likely need to be treated with orthodontics.

Restricted tongue and lip movement can lead to compensatory movements of the jaw muscles and cause chronic jaw pain and headaches.

These conditions can contribute to breathing difficulties and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea due to the limited ability to properly position the tongue and maintain an open airway.

They can even cause digestive issues such as acid reflux due to improper chewing and swallowing.

Are Tongue-Ties and Lip-Ties More Difficult To Treat In Adults Than Children?

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.

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 the procedure.

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 you prepare for surgery by:

Our team will provide you with specific instructions to follow in the weeks and days before your procedure. These instructions may include fasting for a certain period of time before the surgery, stopping certain medications, avoiding smoking and alcohol and arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure, if necessary.

We recommend preparing for your recovery before receiving the procedure. Preparation can include purchasing soft foods and drinks, arranging for time off work and preparing a reliable and comfortable recovery space at home.

You may need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, depending on the type of anesthesia required for your procedure.

What To Expect From the Frenectomy Procedure

Dr. Black is highly experienced at performing a frenectomy, which is generally a straightforward procedure. The specifics of your surgery will vary based on the thickness and tightness of your frenulum, but patients can expect the procedure to follow these steps:

  • Anesthesia: Dr. Black will numb frenulum and surrounding area with a local anesthetic. In more complex cases, we recommend using general anesthesia.

  • Incision: Dr. Black will make a small incision in the frenulum. The size and location of the incision will depend on the type and severity of the frenulum attachment.

  • Removal: Using a laser to minimize bleeding, Dr. Black will remove the frenulum tissue.

  • Stitches: Depending on the size and location of the incision, Dr. Black may use stitches to close the wound. The stitches may be dissolvable or need to be removed after a few days.

  • Recovery: After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period to ensure that you are recovering well from the anesthesia.

Recovering From An Adult Frenectomy

The entire procedure typically takes 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 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.