Surgical management of ankyloglossia using diode laser

Abstract

Ankyloglossia is congenital anomaly characterized by an abnormally short lingual frenum. In children, ankyloglossia results in breast feeding difficulties, speech disorders and complex malocclusion. This can be managed by performing lingual frenectomy. In this article we will be reporting two cases of ankyloglossia in 5 & 12year old children with speech problems and restricted tongue mobility respectively, which were managed successfully using diode laser and followed up without any postoperative complications. Diode laser has advantages over scalpel method such as shorter operative working time, tissue cauterization and sterilization, hemostasis, less local anesthesia requirement, elimination of suturing and few postoperative complications like pain swelling and infection, which is well tolerated by children. Diode lasers are exclusively used for soft tissue surgeries with no risk of enamel damage since their wavelength doesnot interact with tooth structure, compact and economical giving them edge over CO2 lasers & scalpel.