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Effect of myofunctional exercise combined with laser-assisted frenectomy in the management of paediatric tongue tie
  1. Subhashree Sahoo,
  2. Shalini Balaji,
  3. Selvakumar Haridoss and
  4. Kavitha Swaminathan
  1. Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, Sri Ramachandra Institue of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  1. Correspondence to Professor Selvakumar Haridoss; selvakumaarh21{at}gmail.com

Abstract

We present three cases for the management of paediatric tongue tie (ankyloglossia) through laser-assisted frenectomy and postoperative oral myofunctional exercises. Ankyloglossia, characterised by a restricted lingual frenulum, poses challenges in tongue movement and is traditionally treated with surgical interventions. Laser technology, particularly diode lasers, has shown promise in paediatric cases due to reduced bleeding, minimal discomfort and faster recovery. The case series presents three instances where patients underwent laser-assisted frenectomy, demonstrating improved tongue function and speech outcomes. The comprehensive approach includes adherence to safety protocols, meticulous surgical techniques and the integration of postoperative exercises. Results indicate significant improvement in speech and tongue mobility, with no reported pain or complications. The study underscores the efficacy, safety and patient-centric nature of the combined laser and exercise strategy in addressing ankyloglossia in paediatric dentistry, emphasising the need for further research and long-term follow-up studies to validate its sustained effectiveness.

  • Otolaryngology / ENT
  • Dentistry and oral medicine

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Footnotes

  • Contributors The following authors were responsible for drafting of the text, sourcing and editing of clinical images, investigation results, drawing original diagrams and algorithms, and critical revision for important intellectual content: SS, SB, SH and KS. The following authors gave final approval of the manuscript: SH and KS. Guarantor: SH. Chat Gpt and Quillbot software were used for paraphrasing and language correction.

  • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

  • Case reports provide a valuable learning resource for the scientific community and can indicate areas of interest for future research. They should not be used in isolation to guide treatment choices or public health policy.

  • Competing interests None declared.

  • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.