Surgical techniques for the treatment of ankyloglossia in children: a case series

Abstract

This paper reports a series of clinical cases of ankyloglossia in children, which were approached by different techniques: frenotomy and frenectomy with the use of one hemostat, two hemostats, a groove director or laser. Information on the indications, contraindications, advantages and disadvantages of the techniques was also presented. Children diagnosed with ankyloglossia were subjected to different surgical procedures. The choice of the techniques was based on the age of the patient, length of the frenulum and availability of the instruments and equipment. All the techniques presented are successful for the treatment of ankyloglossia and require a skilled professional. Laser may be considered a simple and safe alternative for children while reducing the amount of local anesthetics needed, the bleeding and the chances of infection, swelling and discomfort.

Frenectomia Lingual Em Bebê: Relato De Caso

“…No período da amamentação a anquiloglossia causa dificuldades no aleitamento materno na maioria dos casos. As pesquisas usam critérios e idades distintas para a avaliação e diagnóstico da anquiloglossia, no entanto os resultados são semelhantes 11 .…”

Lingual Frenectomy with Diode High-Power Laser in an Adult Patient: A Case Report

“…Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie is a congenital dysfunction, characterized by abnormality of the lingual frenulum, where it can be adhered in a short form to the mouth floor or too close to the tip of the tongue generating difficulties to individuals [1][2][3][4]. The lingual frenulum is a normal anatomic structure characterized by being a median fold that connects the tongue to the mouth floor; is exclusively constituted by fibrous dense conjunctive tissue, besides superior fibers of the genioglossus muscle [2,5].…”

“…This abnormality has genetic etiology and/or environmental factor, being able to reach individuals of both sexes and any age [1,3]. Clinically it presents painful symptomatology, movement, phonation and sometimes swallowing difficulties [1][2][3], being indicated the surgical removal [1,6].…”

“…Clinically it presents painful symptomatology, movement, phonation and sometimes swallowing difficulties [1][2][3], being indicated the surgical removal [1,6]. During clinical exam is recommended to ask the patient to do a protrusion movement to evaluate the extension reached by the tongue.…”

“…The conventional frenectomy is a simple procedure that consists in the use of scissors and scalpels for cutting or section of the lingual frenulum and posterior suture for first intention healing. The use of high-power laser is indicated of frenectomy because of its exclusive interaction with the exposed tissue due to its wavelength and specific active medium, besides its secondary therapeutic effects that proportionate a more efficient healing and a better postoperative period to the patient [1,6].…”