Ankyloglossia: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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== Treatment ==

There are varying types of intervention for ankyloglossia. Horton ''et al.,''<ref name="Horton" /> have a classical belief that people with ankyloglossia can compensate in their speech for a limited tongue range of motion. For example, if the tip of the tongue is restricted for making sounds such as {{IPA|/n, t, d, l/}}, the tongue can compensate through [[dentalization]]; this is when the tongue tip moves forward and up. When producing {{IPA|/r/}}, the elevation of the mandible can compensate for restriction of tongue movement. Also, compensations can be made for {{IPA|/s/}} and {{IPA|/z/}} by using the [[Dorsum (anatomy)|dorsum]] of the tongue for contact against the [[palatal rugae]]. Thus, Horton ''et al.''<ref name="Horton" /> proposed [[compensatory strategies]] as a way to counteract the adverse effects of ankyloglossia and did not promote surgery. Non-surgical treatments for ankyloglossia are typically performed by [[Orofacial myological disorders|Orofacial Myology]] specialists, and involve using [[Tongue training|exercises]] to strengthen and improve the function of the facial muscles and thus promote the proper function of the face, mouth, and tongue <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.omhealth.com.au/the-ins-and-outs-of-tongue-tie/|title=The Ins and Outs of Tongue-Tie|work=OM Health|access-date=2014-06-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107212948/http://www.omhealth.com.au/the-ins-and-outs-of-tongue-tie/|archive-date=2014-11-07|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Intervention for ankyloglossia does sometimes include surgery in the form of [[Lingual frenectomy|frenotomy]] (also called a [[frenectomy]] or [[Frenectomy|frenulectomy]]) or [[Frenuloplasty of tongue|frenuloplasty]]. This relatively common dental procedure may be done with [[Soft-tissue laser surgery|soft-tissue lasers]], such as the [[Carbon dioxide laser|CO₂ laser]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://lightscalpel.com/laser-surgery/dental-laser/|title=Laser Surgery - Soft Tissue Dentistry|website=LightScalpel}}</ref> However, authors such as Horton ''et al.'' <ref name="Horton" /> are in opposition to it. According to Lalakea and Messner, surgery can be considered for patients of any age with a tight frenulum, as well as a history of speech, feeding, or mechanical/social difficulties. Adults with ankyloglossia may elect the procedure. Some of those who have done so report post-operative pain.