Lingual Frenectomy with Diode High-Power Laser in an Adult Patient: A Case Report

Abstract

Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie is a congenital dysfunction, characterized by an abnormality of the tongue frenulum, where it can be adhered in a short form to the mouth floor or too close to the tip of the tongue, of fibrous appearance. The indication of surgical removal of the lingual frenulum occurs when the movements of the tongue and the mastication, swallowing and phonation functions are significantly altered. The surgical removal of this frenulum-frenectomy is the best option to solve this condition. The surgical technique can be executed in a conventional form or by laser, presenting differences on healing and postoperative period. Female patient, 20years old, sought the extension project “Laser Therapy in Dentistry” of the Federal University of Maranhão relating swallowing and phonation difficulties. During the clinical exam it was asked to the patient to protrude her tongue, which resulted in restrictions of its functions and movements. The lingual frenectomy was then made with high-power diode laser. At the end of the surgery it was also performed the protocol of tissue repair with low-power laser, following the parameters: 660nm, 100mW, 3J of energy per point for 30seconds in each point. 6 points were irradiated in the borders of the surgery incision to accelerate healing, in a total of 3 sessions. The patient did not relate any pain or edema after surgery. Therefore, the use of high-power laser associated to low-power laser was effective in the treatment of ankyloglossia, reduction of edema and postoperative healing.