Frenulotomy for Tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia)
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a congenital anomaly which may decrease movement of the tip of the tongue. It is caused by an unusually short, thick lingual frenulum, a membrane connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth and is repaired by a frenulotomy. Frenulotomy is one of the many ear, nose, and throat conditions treated by the specialists at Fort Worth ENT. Surgery to repair tongue-tie usually consists of snipping the frenulum (frenotomy) or surgical revision of the frenum (frenectomy, frenulectomy, or frenuloplasty).
Symptoms of Tongue-Tie
Some of the symptoms of tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) may include:
- Difficulty breastfeeding
- Difficulty speaking and annunciating certain sounds
- Difficulty swallowing
- A protruding lower incisor
- Or a protruding lower jaw.
If your child has been born with tongue-tie, it’s important to contact your ENT specialists to discuss your options.
If you would like an appointment with one of our physicians at Fort Worth ENT & Sinus please complete an online appointment request or phone 817-332-8848.
Frequently Asked Questions
A frenulotomy can be performed at almost any age, from newborns to adults. In infants, it’s often recommended early if tongue-tie interferes with breastfeeding. In older children or adults, the procedure may be advised if speech, swallowing, oral hygiene, or jaw development is affected.
A frenulotomy is typically quick and causes minimal discomfort. In infants, it may be performed with little or no anesthesia. For older children and adults, local anesthesia is commonly used to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Recovery is usually very fast. Most patients resume normal feeding or speaking within a day. Mild soreness or swelling may occur but typically resolves within a few days. Your ENT specialist may recommend tongue exercises to promote healing and mobility.
While the procedure improves tongue mobility right away, speech improvements may take time. Some patients—especially children—may benefit from speech therapy after surgery to fully correct articulation issues.
In rare cases, scar tissue can limit tongue movement again if proper healing does not occur. Following post-procedure care instructions and recommended exercises significantly reduces the risk of reattachment.