Ankyloglossia in pediatric dentistry: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Ankyloglossia is a condition in which tongue movement is restricted due to a lingual frenulum that is too short or too tight. Case report: A 7-year-old male patient presents limitations in tongue movements and difficulties in pronunciation. Diagnosis: The Hazelbaker test was used, leading to the diagnosis of ankyloglossia. Treatment: A lingual frenectomy was performed under local anesthesia in the dental chair. Postoperative instructions were given in which speech therapy was indicated. Results: A notable improvement in tongue mobility and a decrease in previously reported difficulties were observed, with a favorable evolution of the clinical case. Conclusions: The lingual frenectomy performed in-chair under local anesthesia allowed for a significant release of the lingual frenulum, improving the patient's tongue mobility. In this case, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach is confirmed, ensuring not only structural correction but also effective functional rehabilitation that supports the patient's adaptation to their phonetic and feeding needs.