A study of pathology associated with short lingual frenum

Abstract

Ankyloglossia is a developmental anomaly of the tongue characterized by a short, thick, lingual frenum resulting in limitation of tongue movement. The frenum is attached to the tip of the tongue in varying degrees. This study evaluates short lingual frenum and other associated pathologies (dentofacial anomalies and lingual dysglossia) and investigates whether ankyloglossia is related to speech problems. A thorough intraoral examination was carried out using the WHO regulations for dentofacial anomalies and occlusion problems and a new scale of lingual mobility. This article also discusses the difficulty in diagnosing this condition and finally following to the results of our study, describes the indications for nonsurgical and surgical treatment of this anomaly.