Frenectomy or Frenuloplasty, is a relatively minor surgical procedure performed to loosen or remove overly large, tight, or poorly positioned band(s) of tissue that are present inside the mouth, connected to the lip, cheeks or floor of the mouth (frenum) - a condition commonly referred to as being “tongue-tied” or “ankyloglossia” – which can cause speech impediments and difficulties with chewing, swallowing and other aspects of oral function. In infants, this condition can impair feeding, and for some older children, teens and adults, cause daily discomfort/pain and lead to mouth breathing. Once the tissue has been removed, the wound will typically be sutured. Frenuloplasty is a quick procedure, generally taking less than 45 minutes, and is often performed with just local anesthesia in adults.
PATIENT SUCCESS STORY
Dr. ZAGHI'S RESEARCHToward a functional definition of ankyloglossia: validating current grading scales for lingual frenulum length and tongue mobility in 1052 subjectsAudrey Yoon1 & Soroush Zaghi 2,3 & Rachel Weitzman4 & Sandy Ha5 & Clarice S. Law1 & Christian Guilleminault6 & Stanley Y.C. Liu2
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Tongue-tie, restless sleep, and symptoms of ADHD
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(PRE-TREATMENT)
Short lingual frenulum contributing to symptoms of atypical “ADHD” associated with poor sleep quality due to sleep-disordered breathing. The father (OSA patient) has less than 25% tongue mobility, and the children (restless sleep + ADHD) have less than 5% mobility, all consistent with Grade 4 functional ankyloglossia.
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A message from Dr. zaghi
A frequently asked question is whether we perform frenuloplasty with laser or scissors. The success in our practice is based on our ability to provide a complete and effective release of tethered oral tissues without the use of laser or cautery. We have a multidisciplinary protocol of functional frenuloplasty that integrates myofunctional therapy (and sometimes craniosacral therapy) both before, during, and after surgery. Our technique is based on precision: releasing the appropriate extent of tissues for maximal relief; not too much, and not too little.
In these videos, the scissors and suture technique for functional frenuloplasty is demonstrated. Scalpel and/or scissors causes no thermal tissue damage as compared to laser and allows for the placement of sutures to promote healing by primary intention. We find that leaving the wound open to heal by secondary intention (without sutures) predisposes to excessive scarring.
Also, there is a limitation on how deep you can go with the laser technique, so often times there is an incomplete release that does not effectively address submucosal posterior tongue-tie. Attempts at going deeper with laser may cause excessive scarring that results in worsening restrictions to tongue mobility.
As you know, our group is highly active in clinical research and committed to anything that we can do to promote optimal outcomes after surgery. In addition, we are delighted by the opportunity to share our knowledge and experience to help inspire the field to move towards higher standards in the delivery of tongue-tie release surgery.
We are grateful and thank you for your interest in our work.
Sincerely,
Soroush Zaghi, MD with Sanda Valcu-Pinkerton, RDH-AP, OMT
Sleep Surgeon
Otolaryngology - Maxillofacial Surgery
In these videos, the scissors and suture technique for functional frenuloplasty is demonstrated. Scalpel and/or scissors causes no thermal tissue damage as compared to laser and allows for the placement of sutures to promote healing by primary intention. We find that leaving the wound open to heal by secondary intention (without sutures) predisposes to excessive scarring.
Also, there is a limitation on how deep you can go with the laser technique, so often times there is an incomplete release that does not effectively address submucosal posterior tongue-tie. Attempts at going deeper with laser may cause excessive scarring that results in worsening restrictions to tongue mobility.
As you know, our group is highly active in clinical research and committed to anything that we can do to promote optimal outcomes after surgery. In addition, we are delighted by the opportunity to share our knowledge and experience to help inspire the field to move towards higher standards in the delivery of tongue-tie release surgery.
We are grateful and thank you for your interest in our work.
Sincerely,
Soroush Zaghi, MD with Sanda Valcu-Pinkerton, RDH-AP, OMT
Sleep Surgeon
Otolaryngology - Maxillofacial Surgery
Post OpERATIVE Instructions
POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUNCTIONAL FRENULOPLASTY AT THE BREATHE INSTITUTE
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Our Myofunctional Therapist, Sanda Valcu-Pinkerton explains post-operative instructions for patients who have recently undergone a functional frenuloplasty procedure at the Breathe Institute.
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patient testimonials
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