About Pediatric Frenectomy
Pediatric frenulectomy is the procedure sometimes needed for an abnormality present at birth in which the membrane that links the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, prohibiting the tongue from protruding past the dental ridge of the lower jaw.
Also known as Tongue-Tie or ankyloglossia, the disorder is usually diagnosed shortly after birth, as the baby may have difficulty in being able to nurse. Depending on the severity, surgery may be warranted in order to have normal mobility of the tongue.
If the tongue-tie surgery is not needed for the newborn’s ability to properly nurse, the disorder should be monitored by an ear, nose and throat doctor throughout the child’s formative years. The provider will examine the child to ensure that the tongue has enough mobility to reach the upper anterior dentition, the ridge behind the front teeth. Being able to correctly pronounce some consonants, including “th” and “l” is dependent on the tongue’s position on that ridge. Children may have difficulty with certain sounds and not develop articulate speech if the tongue-tie doesn’t allow proper extension.
If pediatric frenulectomy is called for in an infant, it is usually a simple procedure only lasting a few minutes. It can often be performed in the physician’s office with a local anesthetic. Babies are able to resume breastfeeding or bottle-feeding immediately. Children who are older, and whose speech development is not progressing, are usually treated under a general anesthetic.
To learn more about tongue-tie or ankyloglossia and pediatric frenectomy surgery, contact the National Sinus Institute.
