Management of Tongue Tie Using Diode Laser: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is a congenital disorder that occurs when the inferior lingual frenulum is too short and shows attachment to the tip of the tongue, preventing normal tongue motions. Ankyloglossia can lead to a range of problems such as speech impediments, difficulties in breast feeding, malocclusion, poor oral hygiene, inability in deglutition, thus being an undesired problem in normal life activity.  Various techniques like scalpel, laser and electro-surgery have been performed in treating tongue tie. Though each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, aim of all the treatment procedures is to relieve the high muscle attachment to improve the movement of the tongue. Case presentation: A male patient aged ten came with a chief complaint of difficulty in speech to the department of periodontology. On examination presence of tongue tie was observed. For which complete blood profile got investigated, followed by treatment protocol which included oral hygiene instructions, oral prophylaxis and surgical relieving of the aberrant lingual frenum using laser.  Result: Uneventful healing was observed with minimal pain experienced by the participating subject. Free movement of the tongue upto the normal range was observed after suture removal. Conclusion: Speech difficulty and limitation of tongue movement makes it difficult for the patient’s having tongue tie. So, in order to remedy the condition, therapy should be administered on time and can be enhanced by surgical operations.