ANKYLOGLOSSIA: A STUDY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Abstract

Introduction: A congenital anomaly characterized by an abnormally short lingual frenulum, popularly called "tongue tie", and technically ankyloglossia, can be observed in newborns, children or adults. From this perspective, the research addresses the importance of early diagnosis, as well as the impacts on the adult life of untreated patients and the question of whether there is an ideal age to treat ankylosed lingual frenulum. Objectives: To analyze the need for infiltrative local anesthesia to perform the procedure. Contextualize the impacts of neonatal ankyloglossia on breastfeeding and nutritive sucking; Understand the role of the dental surgeon in identification and treatment so that the lingual frenulum brevis is not underdiagnosed and consequently undertreated. Method: For the purpose of this article, data were collected through a bibliographic search of articles and books suitable for a methodological review of studies on various aspects of ankyloglossia in the following databases: Virtual Health Library (VHL), PubMed, Scielo and MEDLINE; and analysis of the documentary content of medical records, conducted by the qualitative approach. Results: In view of this, it is expected that the information provided will be useful for parents and guardians to understand the severity of tongue tie that affects the child's functions and to seek medical and dental care early - in the first days of life - to perform the exam, and if necessary, surgery for their children.  And that the study is a milestone for dental professionals to understand the need for local anesthesia for frenotomy.