Untying the Knot: Frenectomy of Lip and Tongue Ties Using Diode Lasers

Abstract

Frenulum attachments in the oral cavity are pivotal, and any abnormality in their position leads to various issues such as displacement of teeth causing diastema, improper functioning of the tongue affecting deglutition, speech, gingival recession, esthetics, and overall growth of oral musculature and alveolar ridges. Timely diagnosis and correction of frenums is essential following a conservative approach. Diode lasers have been widely used for multiple tissue procedures in dentistry. Due to its superior properties of precise cutting with a blood-free surgical site, minimal pain and discomfort, and minimal need of local anesthesia, laser-assisted frenectomy has been proved to be an efficacious treatment modality in pediatric patients, alleviating stress and anxiety for both children and their caregivers. Thus, a case report of pediatric patients with grade II superior labial frenum (SLF) attachment and class II ankyloglossia treated with diode lasers is presented.