Tongue-Tied ?
Ankyloglossia or a persistent lingual frenulum is a congenital persistence of tissue which binds the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When severe, the frenulum should be cut to mobilize the tongue.
A doctor can diagnose this condition during a physical exam. The exam will show that the tongue tissue is attached too far forward.
Surgery is seldom necessary but if it is needed, it involves cutting the abnormally placed tissue. If the child has a mild case of tongue tie, the surgery may be done in the doctor’s office. More severe cases are done in a hospital operating room. A surgical reconstruction procedure called a z-plasty closure may be required to prevent scar tissue formation.
The complications are rare, but recurrence of tongue tie, tongue swelling, bleeding, infection, and damage to the ducts of the salivary glands may occur.
If you are concerned that your child may have tongue tie, have your health care provider examine it during a routine well-baby examination.
Posted by
coti
on Apr 13th, 2010
6:46 pm
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Tags: dentist, frenum, tongue, tongue-tied
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