My daughter is scheduled to have this done and thinks it would be good for me to be evaluated and consider having it done as well, since my tongue is much more “tongue-tied” than hers and she’s going to have surgery. My dentist is ambivalent, as she said I’ve been pretty OK for these 68 years of my life with my tongue as it is. I’m scheduled to see the oral lazer surgeon for a consult in a few weeks and just wondering if anyone has any thoughts and opinions about this.
@dentmom4? Anyone else?
Unless this is affecting your ability to use your tongue, speak, swallow, or move food around in your mouth, this might not be necessary.
Of course, having someone check your tongue function is the best way to know.
I hope my SLP friends on this forum will comment, as well as the dentists. The frenulum (which is what is cut) is a muscle…so there will be an adjustment period (in my opinion) if/when anyone opts to have this done.
If you are considering this, please have your tongue function evaluated for functional use. Then make a decision.
This is the same advice I have given to parents of my young students when asked. But it’s my opinion…and may not be reflective of your needs.
I agree with this advice.
Another thing I never heard of. These keep coming up and scare me. I have a thing called Trigger Finger and had cortisone to deal with it (ehh results). Not trying to derail - just noting I’ve never heard of this (like what I have).
I hope it’s not a common or normal thing.
I’m tired of getting old and finding out all these extras I didn’t know existed.
I’m not a fan of generalized release. This seems to be the newest procedure recommended for adults. If you can eat, speak, and maintain the cleanliness of your teeth, you probably don’t need it. You run the risk of failure, infection, and scarring to treat an issue you didn’t know you had.
Infants are also over treated. Have your baby looked at by a pediatric dentist. They’re too busy to do unnecessary procedures and can easily determine if your child needs this. You need a skilled dentist who does this frequently. You only want to have this surgery once on your child.
Is this painful? Generally not. You will be numb, the laser will zap the area to “cut” the tissue string (frenum). When the anesthesia wears off, it will feel like a burn and heal in a few days or a week. Use ice if needed.
And, I don’t think we need to look for them just because we learn about them!
My son had a fairly tight tie but as a child had zero issues with it. We did have it released after he started having a bit of gum recession at the back of his teeth. If it has never been an issue for you all these years, I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s not a horrible recovery, but why do it if there are no issues?
I’m looking into this. I have a posterior tongue tie. Yes, I can speak, eat, and clean my teeth. However, I can’t put my tongue on the mouth roof without significant pull on the mouth floor muscles. That creates a lot of neck, facial, and shoulder tension.
I do wish this had been addressed during previous multiple ortho. What I read says one needs myofunctional therapy before and after a tie release. Finding the appropriate therapist for that is my current challenge.
Hmmm, I’m not sure I’m flying to do it. Much to think about.
In my graduate program, I took extra coursework in myofunctional therapy. It’s not something every therapist can do because you really need to have the training and lots of consult with dental and medical personnel on how to try to stretch the frenulum. Also, we were required to have liability insurance.
We were trained by being given gloves and “fingertips” while learning the exercises. Later, we showed the kids (patients) how to do it themselves. Then, we would gently massage the area. It has to be done repetitively and there are specific exercises for elevation of the tongue.
I think Char Boshart did some myofunctional therapy for frenulectomy prep. My hospital had a good team of experienced therapists who worked somewhat with this area.
Well I will meet with surgeon for her opinion & evaluation & see what makes sense. As my dentist said, I’ve functioned pretty well for 68 years…..
I have fear of certain doctors - like you go for a sleep study, you have sleep apnea. Assured.
Go to a surgeon for this, that’s their living. Of course, yes you need it.
Take a car to the mechanic, they’ll find problems 
Everyone needs to eat, pay the mortgage.