Yes, adults can absolutely get tongue-tie surgery, and many people are finding relief from symptoms they never realized were connected to this condition. While tongue-tie often makes headlines in discussions about infant feeding challenges, this oral restriction can quietly affect adults for decades without proper diagnosis or treatment.
At Lotus Dental Associates, Dr. Nhung Phan understands that airway dentistry extends far beyond childhood concerns. Her specialized training in tethered oral tissues has revealed how tongue-tie impacts adults in surprising ways, from chronic neck tension to sleep disruption. With her meticulous approach and passion for addressing the root causes of dental issues, Dr. Phan helps patients discover solutions they never knew existed.
Understanding Adult Tongue-Tie
Tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum, the thin band of tissue connecting your tongue to the floor of your mouth, is too short or tight. This restriction limits the tongue’s range of motion and can create problems that many adults simply accept as normal.
The condition affects approximately 5% of newborns, but many cases go undiagnosed until adulthood when complications become harder to ignore. Adults with tongue-tie might struggle with speech clarity, experience difficulty eating certain foods, or develop compensatory habits that lead to jaw pain and headaches.
Common Signs in Adults
Adults with undiagnosed tongue-tie often exhibit several telltale symptoms. Speech difficulties may include trouble pronouncing certain letters, particularly “r,” “l,” and “th” sounds. Eating challenges can manifest as difficulty licking your lips or problems moving food around your mouth.
Beyond these obvious signs, tongue-tie can contribute to sleep disorders because the restricted tongue position affects airway space. Many adults also experience chronic tension in their neck, shoulders, and jaw as their body compensates for the limited tongue mobility.
The Surgical Procedure
Adult tongue-tie surgery, technically called a frenectomy or frenotomy, is a straightforward procedure that releases the restrictive tissue. Modern techniques have evolved significantly, making the process quicker and more comfortable than ever before. At Lotus Dental Associates, we use advanced methods to minimize discomfort and promote faster healing.
The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and can often be performed with just local anesthesia. Dr. Phan carefully evaluates each patient’s specific anatomy to determine the best approach. Recovery generally progresses smoothly when patients follow post-operative instructions, with most people returning to normal activities within a few days.
Benefits of Treatment
The advantages of addressing adult tongue-tie extend well beyond improved tongue mobility. Speech clarity often improves dramatically, particularly for those who’ve struggled with articulation their entire lives. Many patients report feeling more confident in professional and social situations.
Eating becomes more enjoyable and efficient as patients regain the ability to manipulate food properly. Simple pleasures like licking an ice cream cone become possible, sometimes for the first time. Perhaps most significantly, many adults experience improvements in sleep quality and breathing patterns. When the tongue can rest in its proper position against the roof of the mouth, it helps maintain open airways during sleep. This can reduce snoring and decrease the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.
Potential Risks to Consider
Like any surgical procedure, tongue-tie release carries some risks that patients should understand. Bleeding and infection are possible, though relatively uncommon when proper sterile techniques are used. Some patients experience temporary discomfort or changes in sensation, which typically resolve within a few weeks.
Reattachment of the tissue represents another concern, particularly if patients don’t complete the recommended stretching exercises during recovery. In rare cases, patients may develop excessive scar tissue. Speech changes, while usually positive, can feel strange initially as your mouth adjusts to its new range of motion.
Schedule Your Consultation at Lotus Dental Associates
Dr. Nhung Phan’s specialized training in airway dentistry and tethered oral tissues positions her uniquely to evaluate and treat adult tongue-tie. After completing her dental degree at the Medical University of South Carolina and pursuing additional fellowship training, Dr. Phan developed a particular interest in how oral restrictions affect overall health.If you’ve struggled with unexplained symptoms that might be connected to tongue-tie, we encourage you to explore whether treatment could help. Dr. Phan takes an airway-focused approach that addresses root causes rather than just managing symptoms. Contact Lotus Dental Associates today to schedule a consultation and discover how releasing your tongue-tie might transform your daily life.
