Frenectomy – Lingual
A lingual frenectomy is the surgical removal or release of mucosal and muscle elements of the lingual frenum. This procedure performed on both children and adults is used to treat the following conditions:
- Ankyloglossia (aka Tongue-tied)-a congenital oral anomaly which decreases the mobility of the tongue. This may effect your speech, eating, swallowing, oral hygiene, and/or difficulty sticking your tongue out. A baby with ankyloglossia may have difficulty with breast feeding.
- Interference with a Prosthetic Device (such as a removable partial denture) could cause ulceration of the lingual frenum.
Observation may be recommended rather than surgery in cases where the lingual frenum loosens over time and symptoms resolve on their own.