Improvement of phonation and swallowing through lingual frenectomy in an adult: Case Report

Abstract

The lingual frenulum, regardless of age, can hinder physiological processes such as chewing, swallowing and phonation. Lingual frenectomy is the surgical treatment for removing the lingual frenulum when it is very fibrous and persistent. The ideal time for surgical removal is preferably at a young age. However, when this is not possible, frenectomy is necessary in adulthood, under indications that justify it. Conventional, electrosurgery or lasersurgery techniques can be used. The purpose of this article is to present a case of lingual frenectomy using the conventional technique in an adult patient with phonation and swallowing difficulties. After the procedure, immediate improvements were seen in the phonation and swallowing of the patient.