Diode Laser Aided Frenectomy for Severe Ankyloglossia – A Case Report

Abstract

Ankyloglossia is a congenital disorder that develops when the inferior lingual frenulum is excessively short and attaches to the tip of the tongue, restricting its movements. It results in limited tongue mobility, which in turn affects speech and also leads to growth discrepancies. Diode lasers can be utilized as a secure surgical tool for correcting tongue tie using a minimally invasive dentistry technique and for also easing young patients' anxiety towards dental treatment. The use of a diode laser with a 976 nm wavelength for frenectomy procedures has been reported only in a few numbers till date. Hence, this paper describes the case of 13 year old male patient with the complaint of restricted tongue movements and speech difficulties and its management. Early detection and appropriate surgical intervention are the crucial factors to avoid problems related with Ankyloglossia and help the patients to lead a better life.