TREATMENT OF ANKYLOGLOSSIA IN A BABY, NOT JUST A LINGUAL PIC: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Ankyloglossia is a congenital anomaly that can be corrected through surgical techniques such as: frenotomy, frenectomy or frenuloplasty. The objective of the present study is to demonstrate, through a clinical case report, the importance of care during lingual frenulum surgery in babies. Patient A.L.G., female, 3 months old, was referred by the speech therapist for care, with the diagnosis of ankyloglossia. In the anamnesis, the mother reported difficulty in breastfeeding with breast pain and fissures, in addition to a lot of irritability of the baby when latching on. During the clinical examination, he found a thin frenulum in the most anterior portion and with the thickest posterior portion. Its insertion was in the tip of the tongue and alveolar crest. Then the lingual frenectomy surgery was performed under local anesthesia, using a cold method to remove the frenulum. At the time of the procedure, a well-caliber vessel was identified, which led to the interruption of the surgical procedure, to avoid the risk of abundant bleeding. The patient was referred to speech therapy and after six months returned without any changes and with good language mobility. The clinical and multidisciplinary approach in a responsible way is the main factor for successful treatment of ankyloglossia, minimizing discomfort and risks to the baby. This study reported the importance of a well-employed surgical intervention based on the literature and with a follow-up, which proved the efficacy of the procedure when performed early and prudently.