Thermal welding frenotomy on neglected tongue tie: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Tongue tie, also known as ankyloglossia, is characterized by a small lingualfrenum that often prevents the tongue from moving. It is a rare congenital mouthabnormality that might lead to functional problems such as improper swallowing, speechdifficulty, and psychological stress. This study's purpose of providing an unusual incidenceof neglected tongue tie with thermal welding frenotomy.Case Presentation: A 4 years old male patient was bought by his parent to the Departmentof Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery with the chief complaint of offensivespeech. The patient cannot speak the word F, R, T, L, D. Additionally, the parent said that hewas unable to chew solid meals. There was a history when the patient was a baby; hismother could not breastfeed him. According to the clinical examination, the patient had atongue tie with a thick frenum, limited tongue movements like protrusion, and elevation ofthe tongue tip. A bifid or heart-shaped structure was seen on the front tongue tip.Discussion: The patient underwent a thermal welding frenotomy under intravenoussedation. This approach's effectiveness relies on using heat and pressure to block bloodarteries. This study established the novel technology as a secure procedure for tongue tie.After a frenotomy procedure, patients show an improved ability to articulate consonantsbetter.Conclusion: This study supports thermal welding frenotomy as an efficient and securetreatment for children with tongue tie.