Tongue tie: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Tongue tie refers to the condition which is present at birth and restricts the range of movements of the tongue. It is an unusually short, tight, and thick band of tissue that tethers to the bottom of the tongue’s tip and interferes with the normal functioning of the tongue.

Since the tongue tie adversely affects the motion of the tongue, it leads to some easy-diagnosable symptoms, such as-

• Difficulty in breastfeeding
• Constant hunger
• The notched or heart-shaped appearance of the tongue.
• Difficulty in lifting and moving the tongue, etc.

Tongue tie issue is often marked during birth because of the non-separation of the lingual frenulum. Since the lingual frenulum allows the tongue to move freely so if it does not separate it will affect the normal functioning of the tongue. In this situation, the tongue tie remains attached to the bottom of the tongue thereby refraining from natural movements. However, there are some cases of hereditary passed-on are also observed.

Sometimes, treatment of tongue tie is done right away during birth. However, some doctors also apply to wait and see approach.

Generally, two procedures are utilized for this treatment. These are:

• Frenuloplasty:an extensive procedure applied to repair the lingual frenulum. It is completed under anesthesia and surgical tools.
• Frenotomy:A surgical operation that can be done under anaesthesia or not is a fenotomy.

The recovery period of the tongue tie is variable. Since it includes minor surgery so it may take almost 2 weeks to recover completely. It may take 2 weeks to resume a normal lifestyle.

The price of tongue tie treatment is a little much higher. Due to surgery and equipment, its costs may range from 50,000-60,000 rupees. It may put pressure on your budget.

The result of tongue tie treatment is usually permanent but we need to consult a specialized doctor for its treatment. However, it may take time to treat and recover.

The lingual frenulum and the base of the tongue do not separate, resulting in tongue knot. It possesses self-diagnosed symptoms and minor surgeries are applied to treat this disorder. Its treatment procedures also possess high success rates. It also results in some complications.