Introduction:
Ankyloglossia is a term for an abnormal, shortened lingual frenulum that limits tongue mobility and adversely affects its functions. The tongue mobility is significant in proper speech and harmonious development of the facial skeleton. Assessing the tongue and its functions is an integral, important part of an oral examination. Unfortunately, the criteria for surgical intervention in adult patients with ankyloglossia remain unclear, and the literature is particularly scarce regarding older children and adolescents.

Aim of the study:
To review current recommendations in qualification, pre- and postoperative management of surgical correction of shortened lingual frenulum and to familiarize practitioners with issues related to ankyloglossia in older children and adults.

Methods:
Publications from the Medline database available in the PubMed browser have been reviewed including the following keywords “ankyloglossia” and/or “ankyloglossia treatment” and/or “lingual frenulum short”. For different combinations of keywords, 284 search results were obtained for papers published since 2015, excluding those related to newborn and infant patients with a shortened frenulum.

Conclusions:
There is no clear consensus in the literature regarding the surgical treatment of ankyloglossia. This paper aims to summarize and help in setting diagnosis and qualification for invasive treatment of ankyloglossia. The scientific community’s consensus is limited to the statement that treatment (including non-surgical) should be initiated as soon as possible after the diagnosis.