Tie Tongue and Frenotomy: An Article Review

Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a congenital condition characterized by a short, thickened, or tight lingual frenulum, restricting the normal movement of the tongue. This restriction can significantly impact various oral functions, including speech articulation, feeding, and oral hygiene. Frenectomy, the surgical release of the lingual frenulum, is a commonly performed procedure aimed at improving tongue mobility and function. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of frenectomy in tongue-tie, focusing on the underlying causes, diagnostic criteria, surgical techniques, and associated outcomes. Current literature and studies related to tongue-tie and frenectomy were analyzed to offer a well-rounded understanding of this topic. The primary etiology of tongue-tie is believed to be a failure of the lingual frenulum to undergo complete embryonic regression during fetal development. Various classification systems have been proposed to categorize the severity of tongue-tie, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning. Diagnostic assessments involve evaluating tongue mobility, oral function, and the impact on quality of life. Frenectomy, the gold standard treatment for tongue-tie, involves the surgical release or modification of the restrictive frenulum. Common surgical techniques include the traditional scissors or scalpel method, as well as newer approaches such as laser frenectomy. Each technique has its advantages and considerations, including bleeding, pain, and healing time. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of frenectomy on improving tongue mobility, speech articulation, breastfeeding, and oral hygiene. However, controversies regarding the indications for surgery and the long-term outcomes of frenectomy continue to persist, necessitating further research and evidence-based guidelines.