What are the benefits and risks of frenulum cutting?

Generally, the benefits of frenulum linguae incision include improved pronunciation, enhanced chewing efficiency, better oral function, reduced psychological distress, and prevention of oral diseases. Potential risks include bleeding and infection, scar formation, nerve damage, recurrence, and possible impact on speech. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Benefits

1. Improved Pronunciation: An overly short lingual frenulum may cause unclear speech, especially with sounds requiring tongue rolling. After the procedure, the tongue gains greater range of motion, which helps improve articulation and speech clarity.

2. Enhanced Chewing Efficiency: A short lingual frenulum may impair chewing function, leading to inadequate mastication. Following surgery, the tongue moves more freely, thereby improving chewing efficiency and aiding digestion.

3. Enhanced Oral Function: Tongue mobility is crucial for functions such as swallowing and breathing. After frenulum incision, increased tongue flexibility helps enhance these functions.

4. Reduced Psychological Distress: A short lingual frenulum may cause psychological effects such as embarrassment, anxiety, or low self-esteem. Correcting the condition surgically can help restore confidence and alleviate associated psychological concerns.

5. Prevention of Oral Diseases: A short lingual frenulum may increase the risk of oral conditions such as ulcers and gingivitis. After the procedure, increased tongue mobility may reduce the likelihood of such diseases.

II. Risks

1. Bleeding and Infection: Bleeding may occur during the procedure, and improper postoperative care may lead to infection. Thorough preoperative evaluation and proper postoperative care are essential.

2. Scar Formation: Scarring may develop at the incision site during healing, potentially affecting tongue movement. The degree of scarring varies among individuals and may impact speech and chewing function.

3. Nerve Damage: Nerves related to tongue movement may be injured during surgery, potentially causing numbness or impaired mobility. Careful surgical technique is necessary to avoid nerve damage.

4. Recurrence: Some patients may experience recurrence of a short lingual frenulum after surgery, necessitating a second procedure. This may be related to surgical technique, postoperative healing, or individual variation.

5. Speech Impairment: Although the procedure can improve speech, improper surgical technique or poor postoperative recovery may result in speech difficulties or unclear articulation. A thorough preoperative evaluation and professional postoperative rehabilitation are important.

Prior to surgery, patients should fully understand the risks and benefits and make decisions under the guidance of a physician. Postoperative care and rehabilitation are also essential to minimize the risk of complications.