Management of Ankylogossia by Frenectomy- A Case Report

Abstract

Background: The tongue is an important oral structure that is responsible for speech, swallowing, positioning of the teeth, and taste. Ankyloglossia or “tongue-tie” is due to an abnormally thick and shortened lingual frenum causing difficulty in speech articulation and breast-feeding because of limited tongue movement. Management of this condition has been controversial with different specialties having opposing views regarding its clinical significance and management. Surgical Procedure: A 17 year-old-male with ankyloglossia and a chief complaint of difficulty with underwent frenectomy under local anaesthesia using a standard surgical technique that was followed with speech therapy. Results: One month follow up showed marked improvement in tongue movements with no signs of recurrence. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention generally helps the patient to avoid long-term effects of these problems. (The patient was 17 years old so there was no early diagnosis and surgical intervention as he needed speech therapy.) A better conclusion might be that early childhood treatment might avoid difficulty with speech and the need for therapy later in life.