Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Oropharynx

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Tongue tie

Alternative Names: Ankyloglossia Treatment: Surgery is seldom necessary. If it is necessary, it should be postponed until the child is approximately 9 months old. Text Continues Below Surgery involves cutting of the lingual frenum, either in the office (mild cases), or in the operating room (more advanced cases). A surgical reconstruction (z-plasty closure) maybe required to prevent scar tissue formation. Expectations (prognosis): Surgery, if performed, is usually successful. Complications: The complications are rare, but recurrence of tongue tie, tongue swelling, bleeding, infection, and damage to the ducts of the salivary glands may occur. Calling your health care provider: If you are concerned that your child may have tongue tie, have your health care provider examine it during a routine well-baby examination.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.