A lingual frenectomy is the removal of the frenum under the tongue. A short tight lingual frenum prevents the tongue from moving correctly. This can interfere with breast feeding, kissing, and making some sounds. In minor cases, a patient may not be aware that there is any restriction, however, with severe cases, normal speaking can be severely affected.

          A lingual frenectomy is a simple dental surgery that is done in the dental office under local anaesthesia. A hemostat is clamped to the lingual frenum and using a scalpel, the tissue is cut away from the top and bottom of the hemostat. After removal of the tissue, the floor of the mouth and the bottom of the tongue are sutured to avoid reforming a new lingual frenum. The whole procedure typically takes about a half hour and the patient remains comfortable during the procedure.

         In many cases, a patient can immediately thrust his or her tongue much farther out of the mouth. The sutures are removed in about a week and it is very important for the patient to routinely perform tongue stretching exercises after the lingual frenectomy surgery. This helps assist the tongue with healing and exercises the muscles that previously were not being used.

         The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. They understand that being tongue tied can be quite aggravating. Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, our Atlanta Family Dentist, with the group peforms the lingual frenectomy procedure. If you are tongue tied and would like to schedule a free dental consultation with Dr. Padolsky, please make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.