Ankyloglossia or Tongue Tie in adults can be fixed at any age and is very simple. The simply cut the frenum back a few millimeters using Co2 laser under local anesthesia.
Severe tongue tie can lead to difficulty with speech. In infants and neonates it can cause problems with feeding. In some adults a tongue tie is noted when they are older. Again it limits tongue protrusion. If the tongue tie has been severe, it will not allow the tongue to touch the roof of the mouth. Adults feel embarrassed as they cannot enjoy kissing with tongue out.
Tongue Tie Release: This is cutting this frenulum under the tongue. This allows the tongue to protrude further out the mouth. I use Co2 laser in this hospital, it\’s painless, simple procedure and takes few minutes. No sutures.
The operation can be done under local anesthesia in older children and adults. In infants and children a short inhalation general anesthesia is needed. This is a day-stay or outpatient clinic operation.
You can usually go back to work the following day, although you will have a sore tongue for a few days. You should take pain relief tablets such as Paracetamol or burden.
