Lingual frenulum: changes after frenectomy.

PURPOSE: To describe the changes after frenectomy concerning mobility and functions of the tongue.

METHODS

Participants were 53 subjects who had never undergone speech therapy or lingual frenulum surgery. A specific lingual frenulum protocol with scores was used by speech-language pathologists when there was evidence of frenulum alteration. Ten subjects had abnormal frenulum and were referred to an otolaryngologist for frenectomy. After surgery, the subjects were re-evaluated using the same protocol. Photos and videos were taken for comparison.

RESULTS

Thirty days after surgery, the subjects had the shape of the tip of the tongue and its movements improved. Lip closure and speech were also improved.

CONCLUSION

Frenectomy is efficient to improve tongue posture, tongue mobility, oral functions, and oral communication.