Clinical Outcomes of Diode Laser Treatment of Ankyloglossia in Children and Young Adults: A Report of Two Cases

Management of Tongue-Tie Using Diode Laser for Speech Clarity: A Case Report

A congenital condition called ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, is characterized by an excessively short or tight lingual frenum that restricts the tongue's movement and flexibility. Although ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, is not a serious sign, it can cause a variety of challenges, such as difficulty with newborn feeding, speech problems, and many mechanical and social problems since there are restricted tongue movements, such as protrusion of the tongue. It is recommended to get a lingual frenectomy to treat ankyloglossia. A 24-year-old female patient reported to the Department of Periodontics with class II, moderate lingual tie, or ankyloglossia. Under local anesthesia, the lingual frenectomy is performed with a diode laser by placing a hemostat across the frenal attachment at the base of the tongue, and an incision is made. The laser surgery took less time and was more comfortable for the patient because there was less discomfort. There was no postoperative pain or hemorrhage. The above case report can appreciate the normal frenal attachment that is more than 16 mm, and the patient can hold the tip of the tongue and function comfortably. A follow-up visit after three months revealed normal frenal attachment and complete healing of the frenum. This case report demonstrates unequivocally that lingual frenectomy using a diode laser has advantages over traditional procedures in that it reduces or eliminates postoperative pain and minimizes hemorrhage and swelling.

Efficacy of Various Laser Wavelengths in the Surgical Treatment of Ankyloglossia: A Systematic Review

Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, is the most common disorder of tongue morphology characterized by aberrant attachment of the lingual frenum. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive literature review and evaluate the effectiveness of various laser wavelengths in the surgical treatment of patients with ankyloglossia. An electronic screening of PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases was conducted on 8 November 2021. The following search terms were used to review the available data on the subject of interest: (ankyloglossia OR tongue tie OR short lingual frenulum OR lingual frenectomy OR lingual frenulectomy OR lingual frenotomy OR lingual frenulotomy) AND laser. The use of lasers in ankyloglossia treatment resulted in shorter procedure time, reduced indications for general anesthesia, reduced administration of postoperative analgesics, fewer sutures or none needed, reduced postoperative bleeding, and improved healing. Despite many advantages, this method has its clinical limitations: it requires the use of expensive equipment; well-trained personnel familiar with lasers; and personal protective equipment for the patient, caregiver, operator, and assistant. The laser procedure does not eliminate the need for myofunctional exercises and work with a speech therapist.

Laser-Assisted Frenectomy Followed by Post-Operative Tongue Exercises in Ankyloglossia: A Report of Two Cases

Ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie, is a developmental abnormality that may interfere in speech and articulation of lingual and sibilant sounds, due to the abnormal lingual frenal attachment. Lingual frenectomy severs the tie, however in adolescents and young adults, kinesthetic awareness, that is, the senses of position and movement of the tongue, needs to be increased. In such a scenario, tongue exercises lend a helping hand. Here, we discuss the benefits of this combined treatment modality in two cases diagnosed with ankyloglossia.