Lingual frenulum surgery in the treatment of ankyloglossia: case series

The aim of this case series is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of lingual frenectomy in two young adult female patients with ankyloglossia and to emphasise the impact of surgical intervention on speech ability, tongue mobility and overall oral function. Two women, aged 22 and 19 years, presented with speech difficulties, restricted tongue movement and high lingual frenulum attachment. Clinical examination revealed associated conditions such as midline diastema, infantile swallowing patterns and labial displacement of the mandibular anterior teeth. After informed consent, both patients underwent lingual frenectomy under local anaesthesia using a #15 scalpel and blunt dissection technique. Sutures were placed with a continuous suture technique, and postoperative care included antibiotics, analgesics, and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Patients were followed up for six months. Both patients experienced significant improvements in tongue mobility and articulation after the procedure. No complications such as excessive haemorrhage or nerve damage were observed. At the six-month follow-up, the healing process was uneventful. They were then referred to the orthodontic clinic for further treatment of midline diastema, labial displacement and swallowing dysfunction. Ankyloglossia can cause functional and psychological problems by affecting speech, swallowing and tooth alignment. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention, such as lingual frenectomy, can con-tribute to significant improvements in tongue mobility and speech function. Long-term follow-up and interdisciplinary treatment are essential to achieve optimal patient outcomes.