What to Expect While You Heal
Patients should expect some mild swelling, pain and/or discomfort as a normal part of healing. Pain is often controlled with over-the-counter medication, and other symptoms typically improve over 1–2 weeks with proper rest and myofunctional therapy.
Possible, but very rare, complications of frenuloplasty may include bleeding, pain, numbness, failure of the procedure, scarring, and injury to adjacent structures that may result in salivary gland dysfunction.
To help ease discomfort, you may apply a small amount of topical analgesic gel to a piece of gauze and place it over the surgical site. Replace the gauze as needed every 1–2 hours, up to 4 times daily.
Some bloody oozing is normal during the first 1–2 days. If steady or significant bleeding occurs, place gauze under the tongue and apply gentle pressure. If the bleeding does not stop, contact our office or go to your local emergency department.
Some swelling and inflammation are normal during the first 3–5 days. Your tongue may feel larger than usual and may be more painful or difficult to move during this time.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen may be used as needed for pain, according to your provider’s instructions.
Continue brushing your teeth as usual while being careful around the surgical site.
Rinse with salt water and/or an alcohol-free mouthwash several times a day to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
During the first few days, soft and cool foods may be more comfortable.
Hot or spicy foods, or foods that need a lot of chewing, may be hard to eat. Choose foods that are comfortable for you while the area heals.
We use absorbable sutures that usually fall off or dissolve on their own within 3–5 days, although this can take anywhere from 1–10 days.
As the sutures fall out, granulation (healing) tissue fills the open wound. This is a normal part of healing and is not necessarily a sign of infection. If debris builds up around the area, you may gently brush the site with a soft toothbrush. It is not necessary to completely remove the granulation tissue.
PeriAcryl glue may be applied to the wound in place of, or in addition to, sutures. Over time it may become hard or rough. Try not to pick or pull at it.
If the glue stays in place for more than one week, gentle massage with vitamin E oil, coconut oil or mineral oil may help loosen and remove it.
For the first 3 days, we recommend gentle tongue movements while focusing on minimizing discomfort, such as lightly lifting your tongue toward the front teeth with your mouth wide open, moving your tongue side to side inside your cheeks, tracing your tongue back and forth along the palate, and elevating your tongue into a suction hold.
Avoid sticking your tongue out during the first few days, as this may put tension on the surgical site and tear the sutures. Contraction may occur around days 5–7, so it is very important to do the stretches and exercises prescribed by your myofunctional therapist.
Check in with your myofunctional therapist within one week of your procedure so they can assess your healing and decide whether wound stretches are right for you.
When recommended, wound stretches may involve gently wrapping the tongue with a paper towel or gauze and pulling it outward, downward, upward and to each side, holding a gentle stretch for at least 30 seconds or until you feel the tension release. Follow your therapist’s specific instructions.
If you also had treatment for lip or buccal ties, take it easy for the first few days. After the initial healing period, you may be asked to run your tongue around the inside of your lips and cheeks several times a day; air puffs may also be recommended.
After about one week, your provider or therapist may recommend stretching the lip outward and gentle massage inside the mouth.
Depending on your situation, some patients benefit from fascia-focused physical therapy, craniosacral therapy, osteopathic manipulation or other bodywork after surgery. Discuss any additional therapies with your provider or myofunctional therapist.
If you have difficulty breathing or another severe emergency, seek immediate medical attention or go to your local emergency department.
For urgent dental problems, visit our emergency dentist page. Caring for a child after their procedure? Learn about our pediatric dentistry, or find patient forms and other patient resources.
Book your follow-up online or give us a call, and we’ll check on your healing.
399 Arcola Rd, Suite 100, Collegeville, PA 19426 · (610) 489-5555
