Ankyloglossia as an oral functional problem and its surgical management

Abstract

Tongue-tie or ankyloglossia is a developmental anomaly of the tongue characterized by an abnormally short, thick lingual frenulum resulting in limited tongue movement. Ankyloglossia can affect feeding, speech and oral hygiene, as well as have mechanical and social effects. Diagnosis of tongue-tie is based on a clinical examination. Tongue mobility and appearance associated with the insertion, as well as the attachment and the shortness of the lingual frenulum should be evaluated. Ankyloglossia management should be considered at any age considering the risk-benefit evaluation and because of the highest vascularization and mobility of tongue; lingual frenectomy should be performed with less traumatic events to avoid post-operative complications. The aim of this article is to report 2 cases of ankyloglossia in young patients who were referred to the Department of Oral Surgery of the Faculty of Dentistry at the Mohamed V University of Rabat, Morocco. According to Kotlow's classification, both patients were diagnosed with Class II and treated with surgical frenectomy, followed by speech therapy for an immediate rehabilitation. A marked improvement in the movement of the tongue was observed at a follow-up visits in the treated cases.

Keywords: ankyloglossia; lingual frenectomy; tongue-tie.