At The Bristol Dental Practice, we understand that every aspect of oral and physical health plays a crucial role in overall well-being. One condition that can significantly impact daily life is tongue-tie (ankyloglossia). This common yet often overlooked condition occurs when the frenulum – the band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth – is too short or tight. This restriction can lead to challenges with breastfeeding in infants, speech development in children, and even oral hygiene.
At The Bristol Dental Practice, treatment for tongue-tie is performed by Mr John Collin, our Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, and specialist oral surgeon Dr Kathryn French. Performed under local anaesthetic at our practice, a Frenectomy is a simple yet effective surgical procedure that can offer relief and improve the quality of life for those who are affected by tongue-tie.
In this blog, we’ll delve into what a Frenectomy entails, its benefits, and what you can expect from this procedure at The Bristol Dental Practice. Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s feeding difficulties or an adult facing speech challenges, understanding the role of a frenectomy could be the first step toward a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
Symptoms and Effects of Tongue-Tie
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, can present a range of symptoms and effects that range in severity. In infants, it often manifests as difficult latching during breastfeeding, which can lead to poor weight gain and maternal discomfort. The restricted tongue movement can make it challenging for babies to effectively latch onto the breast, impacting the way they feed.
For children, tongue-tie can hinder normal speech development, resulting in articulation issues and difficulty pronouncing certain sounds clearly. As they grow older, these speech difficulties might affect their confidence and social interactions.
In adults, a tight frenulum can lead to problems with oral hygiene, as limited tongue mobility makes it harder to clean the teeth and gums effectively, potentially leading to dental issues such as gum recession and plaque buildup. Additionally, tongue-tie can cause discomfort while eating solid food and may even contribute to occasional soreness or tension in the jaw.
Addressing tongue-tie through appropriate treatment can alleviate these challenges and improve overall quality of life.
What is a Frenectomy?
A Frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure designed to address issues caused by a tight or restrictive frenulum (the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth). Specifically, this procedure involves removing or altering the frenulum to improve tongue movement and alleviate associated symptoms.
There are different approaches to performing a frenectomy, including traditional surgical methods and modern techniques such as laser frenectomy. The procedure is generally quick, with local anaesthesia used to ensure patient comfort.
By freeing up the tongue from its restrictive tether, a frenectomy can resolve issues related to breastfeeding difficulties, speech problems and oral health challenges. At The Bristol Dental Practice, we use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure a safe and effective treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.
The Benefits of Frenectomy in Treating Tongue-Tie
A Frenectomy offers numerous benefits for individuals affected by tongue-tie, providing immediate and long-term relief from the condition’s challenges. With its quick recovery time and minimal discomfort, a frenectomy offers a highly effective solution for improving the quality of life in patients affected by tongue-tie.
- Improve Breastfeeding, allowing for latching and more effective feeding, leading to healthy weight gain and reducing discomfort for mothers.
- Enhancing speech development in children, improving articulation and clarity which is vital for building confidence in social and academic environments.
- Increasing tongue mobility in both adults and children promotes better oral hygiene as it becomes easier to clean the teeth and gums thoroughly.
- Ease eating and swallowing difficulties, enhancing overall comfort during meals.
When Should a Frenectomy Be Considered?
A Frenectomy should be considered when tongue-tie begins to impact essential functions such as feeding, speech, or oral hygiene.
In infants, if breastfeeding becomes too difficult, a frenectomy may offer immediate improvement.
In children, parents may notice speech difficulties which could indicate that the restricted tongue movement is interfering with normal development.
In adults, a frenectomy might be necessary if tongue-tie leads to chronic dental issues, discomfort while speaking or eating, or restricted tongue mobility affecting oral health and hygiene.
The timing of the procedure varies based on the individual’s needs, but early intervention, particularly in infants and young children, can help prevent long-term complications.
Booking a consultation at the practice is crucial to assess the severity of tongue-tie and determine whether a frenectomy is the best course of action.
Meet the Surgeon: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial surgery is a field which combines medicine with dentistry. Surgeons in this field are uniquely qualified in both medicine and dentistry after extensive education, training and many years of experience.
At The Bristol Dental Practice, our consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Mr John Collin, is highly skilled in performing surgical procedures for a wide range of conditions affecting the face, mouth, skin and jaws.
Dr Kathryn French primarily works in a hospital setting, where she specialises in complex extractions using local anaesthetic and sedation. With a strong focus on patient comfort, she has honed her techniques to ensure that each procedure is as smooth, relaxing and pain-free as possible.
Whether addressing medical concerns or providing cosmetic enhancements, Mr Collin and Dr French deliver exceptional specialist care, guiding you through every step – from your initial consultation to diagnosis and treatment – with a focus on your well-being and optimal results.
Mr John Collin, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon & Dr Kathryn French, Specialist Oral Surgeon
Conclusion
Tongue-tie may seem like a small issue, but its effects can be far-reaching, impacting feeding, speech, and oral health. A Frenectomy provides a simple, effective solution that can greatly improve the quality of life for those affected, from infants struggling to breastfeed to adults experiencing speech difficulties or dental concerns. At The Bristol Dental Practice, our skilled team is dedicated to providing exceptional care, ensuring each patient receives personalised treatment tailored to their needs.
If you or your child are experiencing the symptoms of tongue-tie, early intervention through a Frenectomy could prevent further complications. Contact us today, schedule a consultation with Mr John Collin or Dr Kathryn French, and take the first step toward restoring comfort and functionality.