A frenum is a membranous part of the skin or mucous membranes that supports or limits the movement of a part or organ. The tongue frenum runs along the bottom of the tongue and connects to the bottom of the mouth behind the teeth. The thickness and length of the tongue bridle may vary between different individuals. When it is smaller than normal, the movements of this organ are limited. In this case, surgical correction through a tongue frenectomy is recommended.

Shorter than normal tongue frenum: What problems does it cause?

When a tongue frenum is shorter than normal, it negatively affects the way the tongue moves in the oral cavity. This condition is known as ankyloglossia, and it restricts the movement of the tongue. Its formation takes place before birth, hindering the normal function of the tongue, as the frenum has a fairly thick and short shape. This condition obstructs the process of speech and the full extension of the tongue, as people with this condition cannot touch the palate or upper lip area with the tip of the tongue. At the same time, ankyloglossia makes it difficult for the infant to breastfeed, while in extreme cases, it can lead to malnutrition.

This condition causes problems in the development of speech, making it difficult for the child to pronounce certain letters. At the same time, it makes swallowing difficult, while it can create gaps between the two lower front teeth and other aesthetic issues, which can negatively affect the patient’s daily life. Poor oral hygiene is another adverse consequence of this condition, as the removal of food residues from the teeth is not carried out properly. In fact, brushing the teeth can become painful, as it is difficult to do without creating damage to the surrounding soft tissue. This can contribute to the appearance of tooth decay and gingivitis, which is a type of inflammation of the gums.

Tongue Frenectomy: When it is indicated

If the arisal of the specific condition obstructs the normal use of the mouth or the frenum is torn repeatedly, then surgical removal through tongue frenectomy is indicated. During this operation, the frenum tissue is removed, among with the attachment to the underlying bone. The purpose of surgical removal is to correct the tissues that are causing the condition. ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou performs the specific procedure in order to restore the tongue frenum’s size.

Tongue Frenectomy process

This particular process is quite simple. A local anesthetic is applied to the area, and then either an incision is made to loosen an overly tight tongue tie or it is removed completely. Sutures are placed only if necessary, depending on the size and severity of the tongue frenum issue. A more recent technique regarding tongue frenectomy utilizes the power of laser, causing less tissue damage and less bleeding for improved post-operative healing. Most people benefit immediately after a tongue frenectomy, which takes a few minutes and is fairly simple to complete. Return to daily activities is immediate, with only minimal discomfort in the days following surgery.