Surgical treatment for Kotlow's class III ankyloglossia: A case report

Ankyloglossia or "tongue-tie" is a congenital anomaly disorder caused by a thick and tight lingual frenulum abnormality that limits tongue movement. Ankyloglossia causes speech disorders and the inability to extend the tip of the tongue beyond the vermillion border of the mandibular lips. A 25-year-old woman presented with limited tongue movement and difficulty in reciting specific letters. On the clinical examination, insertion distance of the lingual frenulum to the tip of the tongue was 4-7mm; ankyloglossia was classified as class III utilizing Kotlow's assessment. The tongue did not cross the vermillion border. Frenectomy was performed as a surgical treatment option, under local anesthesia using the two hemostat method to control bleeding. Frenectomy is a good treatment option for ankyloglossia without any complications followed by speech therapy rehabilitation.