Ricerc@Sapienza

Abstract: Background: Ankyloglossia is an anatomical alteration of the frenulum length, volume,
compactness, and insertion. It can lead to alterations in the ability to swallow and chewing, and
dysfunctional coordination amongst cranio-facial muscles; these alterations are often responsible for
respiratory alterations, skeletal malocclusions and dyslalia or the delay of speech. The aim of this study
is to estimate the efficacy of lingual frenulectomy with diode-laser technology through a qualitative
and quantitative evaluation. Methods: One hundred and twenty-five pediatric patients were recruited:
100 with a lingual pathological frenulum were randomly divided into four operating groups; the other
25 with a borderline pathological frenulum were recruited as a control group. Each patient was
included in a follow-up program (T0-T1-T2-T3-T4) for a quantitative and qualitative evaluation:
the first through an accurate measurement of Kotlow’s free tongue measurement (≥16), Mouth
Opening with Tongue Tip to incisive papilla (MOTTIP), Maximal Intercisal Mouth Opening (MIO)
and Protrusion; and the second using the Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (ATLFF),
Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool (BTAT), and grade of tongue functionality. Results: The increase
of the aforementioned quantitative parameters was circa 10 mm, and all patients reacquired full
functionality of the tongue. Conclusions: Diode-laser technology is efficient and innovative in
the treatment of pathological lingual frenulums.