Imagine what happens when you are unable to move your tongue freely.
The outcomes will be challenging.
You won’t be able to speak correctly and will face feeding challenges. Don’t be surprised because this is one actual condition known as tongue-tie.
If your child suffers from tongue-tie problems, book your appointment with the best consultants at Tongue Tie Phoenix.
Tongue-tie is a medical condition in which restricted tongue movement causes feeding and speaking challenges. Frenectomy resolves the issue altogether.
But even after that, some patients might suffer from tongue-tie reattachment.
Let’s learn more about this condition, possible solutions, and post-surgical reattachment.
What is the Tongue-Tie Problem/ Ankyloglossia?
Tongue-tie is an oral condition in which the lingual frenum membrane beneath the tongue is thicker to the extent that it prevents normal tongue movement. The connective tissue band or frenum usually connects the tongue with the floor of the mouth.
The problem occurs because of a gene mutation and multiple stages of tongue tie, depending on the severity. Children born with the condition tend to develop feeding and speaking troubles later in life.
A child usually shows signs of tongue-tie while breastfeeding, and a physician can spot the problem quickly. While tongue-tied hinders routine activities, doctors suggest solutions like frenzies to overcome the problem.
Frenectomy and Tongue Tie
A frenectomy is an oral surgical procedure that removes or modifies the frenum. The frenum membrane changes allow tongue movement, resolving feeding or speaking troubles.
During the procedure, the doctor cuts or reshapes the frenum membrane. The procedure usually lasts a few minutes and may take weeks to heal.
After a frenectomy, a child can feed or speak normally; however, understanding this new change may take a few days. Now, laser frenectomy is all the hype because of its non-invasive, pain-free nature and less healing time.
Suggested Read: What to Expect After Tongue Tie Release
What is Tongue Tie Reattachment?
Can a tongue-tie return?
Well, the answer is yes.
Though frenectomy is an entirely safe procedure with a high success rate, it comes with its limitations.
Sometimes, after a surgeon detaches or reshapes the frenum membranes, it can prematurely reattach to the tongue site. This phenomenon is known as tongue tie reattachment.
When the tongue-tie returns to its original state, you may start experiencing the symptoms again with limited tongue mobility and associated problems.
Tongue tie reattachment is uncommon, and not many patients get it. According to the Association of Tongue Tie Practitioners, the incidence of tongue tie reattachment is 4%.
What Causes Tongue-Tie Reattachment?
A recurrence of tongue-tie is because of the following reasons:
Incomplete Previous Procedure
During a lingual frenectomy, when the surgeon fails to detach the lingual frenulum membrane completely, it can be reattached. That’s why choosing a surgeon with expertise and experience in the field is essential.
Tissue Scarring
Another reason people witness tongue-tie reattachment is tissue scarring—the scar tissue forms when replacing the removed or modified tissue from the site. The scar can cause the tongue-tie to attach.
Suggested Read: What is the Best Age for Tongue Tie Surgery in Infants
What Happens After Reattachment of Tongue Tie?
When a tongue-tie reappears, patients start experiencing problems with nursing and speaking. Their symptoms may start appearing again.
Other than this, tongue tie reattachment has a psychological impact on patients. Going through all the pain and discomfort and seeing it grow back can be bothersome for anyone.
How to Prevent the Tongue Tie Return?
Anyone who goes through the removal of tongue ties should keep the tips in mind to prevent the re-emergence of tongue ties. For this, your physician may suggest you to:
What are Treatment Options for Tongue Tie Reappearance?
If the tongue-tie reverts, then the following are the treatment options to go for:
Repeating Frenectomy
Your physician can recommend your child go for another frenectomy. The procedure will remain the same, and you must go through the whole process again.
Frenulotomy/ Frenotomy
When your frenulum membrane reappears, the physician might go for a frenotomy rather than a frenectomy. Though both procedures can treat tongue tie problems, there are significant differences between frenotomy and frenectomy.
Frenotomy is the modification of the frenulum membrane, while frenectomy is the complete removal of the membrane.
Suggested Read: 7 Essential Tips for Frenectomy Recovery in 2024
Wrapping It Up
A tongue tie is an oral problem in children that leads to nursing challenges, speaking problems, and dental health troubles in children. The problem is evident during the early stage and is caused by the unwanted thickness of labial frenum tissue.
Frenectomy or frenotomy are the procedures that help to resolve the restricted tongue movement because of thick oral tissue. However, sometimes these procedures can fail, and a tongue-tie reappears.
The reattachment of the tongue tie can bring back physical challenges and have a psychological impact on children. However, your physician has got you covered, as repeating frenectomy or frenotomy can resolve the issue altogether.
Caretakers need to keep an eye on the progress of recovery. Also, you can go for orofacial myofunctional therapies to help you return to normal activities.
Despite the low chances of tongue tie reattachment, please take all the measures to prevent your chances of having it back.
