This is currently a “hot topic”. A shortened lingual frenulum may cause a number of unfavorable symptoms that may significantly impede the child’s functioning from the first days of life.
Symptoms of a shortened lingual frenulum:
– difficulties in breastfeeding the baby
(slow weight gain of the baby, low milk supply, rapid fatigue of the baby while sucking, frequent interruptions of sucking, baby turning away from the breast, nipple damage, breast pain during feeding, inflammation of the mammary gland)
– so-called articulation disorders ankyloglossia, impaired pronunciation of many sounds,
– malocclusions (underbite, crossbite, open bite)
– incorrect chewing, unusual swallowing, difficulties in forming a bite of food
– difficulties in performing oral cavity hygiene procedures
– drooling
The diagnosis is made based on examination of the tongue and sublingual area and the amount of frenulum shortening is assessed on an appropriate scale. Based on the symptoms and examination, a decision is made to cut the frenulum.
There is no conservative treatment for a shortened lingual frenulum!
Before the procedure, it is advisable to prepare appropriately for 2-3 weeks.
In some situations, the doctor may decide to cut the frenulum without prior preparation.
The procedure of cutting the lingual frenulum (frenotomy) can be performed immediately during a doctor’s visit. In my office I offer two surgical methods:
– frenotomy using the classic scissors method – recommended by many speech therapists
– frenotomy using radiofrequency diathermy (RF) – which ensures precise cutting, with minimal damage to collateral tissues and minimized intraoperative bleeding.
The postoperative period requires appropriate treatment and performing massages and exercises for 3-6 weeks after the procedure.