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. 2014 Sep-Dec;47(3):418-22.
doi: 10.4103/0970-0358.146630.

Laser: The torch of freedom for ankyloglossia

Varshal J Barot  1 , Shivlal L Vishnoi  1 , Sarath Chandran  1 , Gaurav V Bakutra  1
Affiliations

Laser: The torch of freedom for ankyloglossia

Varshal J Barot et al. Indian J Plast Surg. 2014 Sep-Dec.

Abstract

The tongue is an important oral structure that affects speech, position of teeth, periodontal tissues, nutrition, swallowing, nursing, and certain social activities. Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie, is a congenital anomaly characterized by an abnormally short lingual frenulum, which restricts mobility of the tongue. Though the ankyloglossia is not a serious condition, it may lead to a host of problems including infant feeding difficulties, speech disorders, and various mechanical and social issues related to the inability of the tongue to protrude. Hence, management of ankyloglossia should be considered at any age considering the risk-benefit evaluation. Tongue being highly vascular and mobile structure, laser-assisted lingual frenectomy is the simplest, safest and less traumatic of all the treatment modalities available, with most promising results in minimally invasive dentistry. Here, a case of ankyloglossia is reported with its management by diode laser.

Keywords: Ankyloglossia; diode laser; lingual frenectomy; tongue-tie.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Ankyloglossia, occlusal view
Figure 2
Figure 2
Ankyloglossia, front view
Figure 3
Figure 3
Kotlow's class II, moderate (10 mm) ankyloglossia
Figure 4
Figure 4
Traction suture at the tip of the tongue
Figure 5
Figure 5
Diode laser unit (810 nm)
Figure 6
Figure 6
A fiber-optic wire tip of 200 μm
Figure 7
Figure 7
The laser tip initiated by firing; excision of the lingual frenum
Figure 8
Figure 8
Immediately after the laser lingual frenectomy
Figure 9
Figure 9
Post-treatment after 1-week showing “white soft scab” formation
Figure 10
Figure 10
Post-treatment after 3 weeks with uneventful healing
Figure 11
Figure 11
Post-treatment after 6 weeks with complete healing, front view
Figure 12
Figure 12
Post-treatment after 6 weeks with complete healing, occlusal view
Figure 13
Figure 13
Post-treatment after 6 weeks, ≥16 mm distance between the lingual frenum insertion and tongue tip
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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