Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Birkan Özkan stated that the tongue tie problem, which is frequently encountered in newborn babies, can lead to serious consequences if not intervened in a timely and correct manner. Özkan, who made critical warnings to parents on the subject, said, “Tongue tie operation is a much more sensitive procedure than it is thought. A wrong intervention can cause paralysis of the baby's tongue.”
The tongue tie problem, which connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth and is responsible for speech, swallowing, nutrition, taste and oral hygiene, is frequently encountered in newborn babies. Stating that this problem, which is not intervened in a timely and correct manner, can lead to serious consequences, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Birkan Özkan warned parents about the risks of tongue tie operation and that this procedure should be performed under the right conditions. Stating that the tongue tie operation is a much more sensitive procedure than it is thought to be, Özkan stated that a wrong intervention can cause paralysis of the baby's tongue.
Wrong intervention increases the risk of paralysis
Stating that shortness of the sublingual tendon can lead to oral health, sucking, feeding, speech disorders, susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections and even growth and development problems in infants, Prof. Dr. Özkan drew attention to the risks of performing tongue tie operations, especially in newborn babies. Recommending that the operation should be performed by specialists in the field of oral, dental and maxillofacial surgery, Özkan said, “Tongue tie in babies can cause serious complications if it is not recognized or intervened incorrectly. This can become a vital problem that can affect general health development for a lifetime, beyond just oral problems. Unfortunately, some babies have their tongue tie surgically removed in the hospital as soon as they are born. There are many nerves and vessels in the area where the tongue tie is located. Although the tongue tie operation may seem like a simple procedure, an incorrect cut or excessive intervention may cause temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the baby's tongue. Oral and maxillofacial surgery specialists are experts in intraoral nerve and vascular structures; for this reason, I recommend that the Tongue Tie Operation (Frenectomy) be performed by specialists in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.”
Accurate and early diagnosis is vital
Stating that it is vital to diagnose tongue tie correctly and early, Prof. Dr. Özkan said about the timing of tongue tie operation, “Tongue tie in newborn babies can be detected with a simple clinical examination. If the tendon under the tongue is short or too tight, it is observed that the baby cannot move his tongue sufficiently. The diagnosis is made during clinical examination. Not all cases of tongue-tie require urgent intervention. Unconscious interventions immediately after birth can carry great risks. The growth and development process of babies should be taken into consideration, and if there is a situation that will interfere with feeding or speech functions in the future, this intervention should be performed. However, the decision to cut the tongue tie should be made by informing the family and carefully planning the process.”
Wrong interventions can lead to irreversible consequences
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Birkan Özkan, who also mentioned the points to be considered by warning parents about the issue, said: “Making an incision with a scalpel on the tongue tie in newborn babies is another risk, which can lead to bleeding problems that can lead to escape into the trachea. For this reason, the removal of the tongue tie (frenectomy) with a laser allows the baby to have a comfortable time after the procedure by utilizing the bleeding stopping feature of the laser. Tongue tie is normally a painful operation, but laser tongue tie removal in newborn babies reduces pain and provides early recovery. In babies diagnosed with tongue tie, it is vital that the operation is performed at the right time and by specialists in the field. Families should definitely consult a dentist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon for such operations and avoid making hasty decisions. We should not forget that wrong interventions can lead to irreversible consequences such as paralysis. However, since the risk of operation is great in the wrong intervention, families should be conscious and careful in this regard.”
İHA Haber Kodu: 20241027AW316875