A short lingual frenulum, or ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) is a condition in which the frenulum (the fibromuscular band connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth) is abnormally short, preventing the tongue from protruding outside the mouth or restricting its normal movement in all directions.
Individuals with a short frenulum are born with this anatomical condition, the severity of which may vary. In some cases, the frenulum does not allow full protrusion of the tongue, while in others it simply limits it.
Prior to the procedure, a solution of lidocaine and adrenaline is administered beneath the tongue, which is then kept in place with a special instrument. With the aid of the laser, a vertical incision is made at the base of the frenulum, while blood vessels and nerve endings are simultaneously cauterized.
Laser frenectomy results in vaporization of the tissue restraining the tongue through controlled thermal energy combined with water spray, within a fraction of a second. A key advantage of this technique is the elimination of bleeding, the absence of sutures, minimal postoperative discomfort, and a reduced risk of infection.
