Clinical Approach of Ankyloglossia in Babies: Report of Two Cases

Ankyloglossia is a developmental anomaly of the tongue characterized by a short lingual frenum, resulting in restricted movement of the tongue. Its etiology is undefined and there is no gender preference. Few studies are available in the literature and the diagnosis and management of ankyloglossia in infants remains controversial. We report two cases of infants submitted to lingual frenectomy, emphasizing the management of ankyloglossia and its implications in breast-feeding.

Moebius Syndrome: Clinical Manifestations in a Pediatric Patient

Moebius syndrome is a congenital, nonprogressive disorder clinically characterized by loss of facial expression, impaired stomatognathic system functions, incapacity to close the eyelids, and several oral impairments. The purpose of this paper was to present the clinical manifestations and the dental treatment in a 5-year, 2-month-old male Moebius syndrome patient. The child presented with facial asymmetry, difficulty performing facial mimic movements and pronouncing some letters, and compromised suction, mastication, breathing, and deglutition. An intraoral examination revealed hypofunction of the perioral muscles, cheeks and tongue, ankyloglossia, anterior open bite, and absence of carious lesions and dental anomalies. The dental treatment consisted of frenectomy and further placement of a removable orthodontic appliance with a palatal crib for correction of the anterior open bite. After 12 months of follow-up, anterior open bite decreased and speech, deglutition, and mastication improved. (Pediatr Dent 2009;31:289-93) Received March 8, 2008 vertical bar Lost Revision July 22, 2008 vertical bar Revision Accepted July 28, 2008

Alternative approach to the management of postoperative pain after pediatric surgical procedures

This paper reports two clinical cases in which the application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) enhanced the postoperative symptoms after pediatric surgical procedures. Background: The uses of novel technologies allow more comfort to the patients and ensure a rapid procedure, and LLLT application has shown a positive effect in the prevention of discomfort after invasive procedures. Case description: Low-level laser therapy protocol was applied after surgical removal of supernumerary tooth and frenectomy resulting in less swallow and pain with no need of medication intake. Conclusion: The laser application was well accepted by both children and parents and showed a clinical efficiency in the follow-up examinations beyond the satisfactory quality of wound healing. Clinical significance: The LLLT approach is an excellent adjuvant therapy resource for delivery an optimal postoperative after surgical procedures in children.

Abordagens periodontais na promoção da harmonia do sorriso

Several therapeutic approaches have been proposed in order to achieve an esthetically pleasing and harmony smile. The present study reports a case in which gingivectomy was performed in the region of the upper anterior teeth combined with osteotomy in the region of the upper posterior teeth and removal of the superior labial frenum to promote harmony smile by decreasing the gummy smile and adequacy of buccal corridor. Osteoplasty gingivoplasty, and frenectomy procedures were planned and performed in a single session. The extraction of the maxillary third molars was also performed in order to avoid postoperative complications. Follow-up visits were performed at 7, 15, 30 and 180 days postoperatively. At 7 days, the gingival tissue was in the initial process of healing, demonstrating inflammation still in evidence. At 15 days, the gingival tissue was found in the final healing process, showing characteristics of normal health gum. At 30 days, there was complete healing of gingival tissues without clinical exposure of the root surfaces. After 180 days, tissues remained in healthy, demonstrating the success of the treatment. Patient showed complete satisfaction with the results. It can be concluded that, when properly indicated, the combination of gingivectomy, osteotomy and frenectomy procedures are promising therapeutic approaches for promoting harmony smile.

Emprego de técnica cirúrgica e materiais adesivos diretos no fechamento de diastema

The following is a clinical case report of a patient whose main complaint was the presence of a generalized spacing in the anterior maxillary segment. After meticulous clinical analysis and discussions of the clinical procedures to be adopted, a labial frenectomy was our first choice, so that we could reduce the diastemas directly using composite resin. It was observed that the association of clinical and restorative procedures was capable of giving back shape, function and dental aesthetics, allowing to the young patient the satisfaction of smiling without any fear.