Tongue-tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition where a membrane called the linguina frenum (that connects the underside of the tongue to the mouth)), becomes thick and short instead of thin and stretchy. When this happens, the movement of the tongue is restricted and speech is impaired. Let’s find out the true The Cost of A Tongue-Tie Surgery.
Tongue-tie is common in newborn infants. Some tongue-tied babies are not affected by it, while some can have difficulty latching to their mother’s breast during feeding. This condition is usually difficult to spot but becomes obvious during breastfeeding or a Newborn physical examination. Asides from difficulty in feeding, there are other signs that a child has ankyloglossia.
SIGNS OF TONGUE-TIE IN INFANTS.
- Heart-shaped tongue tip when it moves forward.
- The tongue looks submerged in the center when lifted.
- The baby has difficulty moving the tongue forward.
- A clicking sound is heard whenever the baby tries to suckle.
- The tongue cannot touch the roof of the mouth.
All of these symptoms are pointers to a tongue-tie in a baby. Tongue-tie cases that do not affect a child’s feeding may not require treatment, as they tend to outgrow it; in cases where the child’s breastfeeding is affected, treatment is very necessary. The repair process can be of different types; the types of surgery are mentioned below.
TYPES OF TONGUE-TIE SURGERY.
- Frenotomy or tongue division: This involves cutting the thick frenum with a scalpel to allow for free movement. The procedure is a simple and harmless one, as the baby will not require anesthesia and can start feeding right away. The procedure is almost painless because of the lack of nerve endings in that area of the mouth. Although older babies with teeth may require anesthesia, after the surgery, they should not feel any pain.
- Frenuloplasty: This type of surgery is more complicated than frenotomy. It is employed in babies with a very thick linguina frenum; it is cut and reattached with the aid of sutures. The procedure can be painful and requires that the child is numbed; pot-operative care will also involve tongue exercises and speech therapy.
- Tongue-tie laser surgery: it employs the use of lasers instead of a scalpel, to cut off the attachment of the frenum to the mouth. This can help reduce complications after surgery.
- Tongue-tie electrocautery: Here, electricity is used to perform surgery. It is similar to frenotomy, except that electricity is used to separate the frenum instead of a scalpel.
Many times, healthcare providers recommend tongue-tie surgery as early as after the birth of the baby, because it can cause problems like speech impairment or change in the shape of the mouth later in life. Parents are usually worried about the condition appearing later in their child’s life, but most times it does not. After the surgery, whichever type is performed, some post-care treatments are essential to avoid recurrence or complications. Oral exercises and tongue stretching multiple times a day can be very essential in total recovery. The total cost from surgery to recovery varies, provided that there are no complications since most surgeries are performed in the healthcare provider’s office. Other factors the cost depends on are insurance and attending physician.
THE COST OF A TONGUE-TIE SURGERY.
- Generally, the surgery will cost anywhere from $200-$600 depending on the location and type of anesthesia used. Many insurance policies cover tongue-tie surgery in infants, and the price required to be paid may not exceed $100 after surgery.
- Additional costs may come with scheduling sessions with a speech therapist and purchasing pain killers. The therapy makes take up to a month or less, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Total therapy costs may range from $50-$75 per session.
Conclusion
Not all tongue-tie cases demand surgery immediately, but only the healthcare provider should determine that. Some parents leave the child to naturally heal and end up regretting their actions in the future when the child finds it hard to communicate clearly. Asides from the physical effect it can have on a child, it can also affect them psychologically when they start mixing with other people. This is why it is essential to take action immediately after it is discovered. It will help reduce complications and even pain that comes with surgery.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
- Can a tongue-tie result in mouth disease?
Yes, it can! Ankyloglossia puts a limitation on saliva production making the mouth to be occasionally dry. A dry mouth can encourage bacteria breeding; hence, tongue-tied patients risk developing gum diseases.
- Does tongue-tie occur in adults?
In some cases, tongue-tie cases are left untreated, and the child grows into adulthood with it. It may not pose a problem early in life but can be a problem as one grows. Adults with a tongue-tie have an overall reduced quality of life as they may experience difficulty in activities that require the use of the mouth, like playing a wind instrument or kissing.
