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AnkyloglossiaNCT07557875

Healing Efficacy of Diode Laser in Lingual Frenectomy

A study testing Lingual Frenectomy using 940nm Diode Laser and Lingual Frenectomy using High-frequency Electrosurgery in people with Ankyloglossia and Tongue-tie, run by University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City at 2 sites in Vietnam.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to compare the wound healing efficacy and postoperative experiences between the 940 nm diode laser technique and the traditional electrosurgery method for treating ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in children aged 3 to 6 years. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 3 to 6 years
Conditions the study is for
Ankyloglossia, Tongue-tie
What is being tested?
Lingual Frenectomy using 940nm Diode Laser and Lingual Frenectomy using High-frequency Electrosurgery
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
53 participants
Where
2 sitesVietnam
Study dates
1 Oct 2024to 1 Oct 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 3 to 6 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child

Who may be able to join

  • Patients aged between 3 and 6 years.
  • Diagnosed with grade 3 or grade 4 ankyloglossia according to Kotlow's classification (1999).
  • Parents or legal guardians provide informed consent for the child to participate in the study.
  • Patients and guardians agree to follow the follow-up schedule (24 hours, 3 days, 1 week, and 1 month post-surgery).

Who cannot join

  • History of allergy to local anesthetics (e.g., Lidocaine, Adrenaline).
  • Patients with systemic diseases or high-risk surgical factors (e.g., cardiovascular disease, bleeding disorders, hemophilia, epilepsy, or uncontrolled asthma).
  • Uncooperative patients who are unable to undergo the procedure under local anesthesia or fail to follow post-operative instructions.
  • Patients who withdraw from the study before completion.

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Phong Dai Lam, PhD, DDS contact

(+84) 906312958

phonglam@ump.edu.vn

Vietnam2 sites, 2 recruiting
  • Children's Hospital 1, Department of Odonto-Stomatology

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Phung Van Ho, DDS, (+84) 983791484, hvphung.ckii.rhm23@ump.edu.vn

    Phung Van Ho, DDS

    Recruiting
  • Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Phong Dai Lam, PhD, DDS, (+84) 906312958, phonglam@ump.edu.vn

    Phung Van Ho, DDS

    Recruiting

Other trials in Vietnam

About this study

Official title: Evaluation of the Healing Efficacy of Diode Laser in Lingual Frenectomy

This study aims to compare the wound healing efficacy and postoperative experiences between the 940 nm diode laser technique and the traditional electrosurgery method for treating ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) in children aged 3 to 6 years.

Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: Experimental Group - Patients undergo lingual frenectomy using a 940 nm diode laser and Active Comparator Group - Patients undergo the procedure using conventional high-frequency electrosurgery.

Read more

The study evaluates several key outcomes at multiple intervals (24 hours, 3 days, 1 week, and 1 month post-surgery), including: (1) Wound Healing: Measured by the Early Wound Healing Score (EHS); (2) Pain Levels: Assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale; (3) Bleeding Control: Evaluation of intraoperative bleeding; (4) Tongue Mobility: Measurement of free tongue length according to Kotlow's classification.

The goal is to determine if the diode laser provides superior healing, less pain, and better bleeding control compared to electrosurgery.

Read the detailed description

Participant Allocation: Participants meeting the inclusion criteria (aged 3-6, diagnosed with Kotlow grade 3 or 4 ankyloglossia) are randomly assigned to one of two groups using a simple randomization method (drawing lots):

  • Group 1 (Laser Group): Lingual frenectomy performed using a 940 nm Diode Laser (Epic X, Biolase) with a power of 1W (average) and 2W (peak) in pulsed mode (CP2).
  • Group 2 (Electrosurgery Group): Lingual frenectomy performed using a high-frequency electrosurgical unit (ERBE-VIO 100C) in continuous contact mode.

Surgical Procedure: Both groups follow a standardized surgical protocol:

  • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with 2% Lidocaine/Adrenaline (0.45 ml).
  • Technique: Transverse incision without suturing or muscle dissection to release the lingual frenum.
  • Safety Measures: Use of protective eyewear for the laser group and electrode grounding pads for the electrosurgery group.

Data Collection and Blinding:

  • Blinding: This is a single-blind study where the participants and their guardians are unaware of the assigned treatment group. The evaluator measuring post-operative outcomes is also blinded to the surgical method used.
  • Follow-up Schedule: Evaluations are conducted at five specific intervals:
  • Baseline (T0): Pre-operative measurements.
  • Post-operative: At 24 hours (T1), 3 days (T2), 1 week (T3), and 1 month (T4).

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Wound Healing: Assessed by the Early Wound Healing Score (EHS), focusing on re-epithelialization (CSR), haemostasis (CSH), and inflammation (CSI).
  • Pain Intensity: Self-reported by patients using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale.
  • Tongue Function: Measuring the increase in free tongue length (mm) using a Quick Tongue-Tie (QTT) tool.
Being tested
Lingual Frenectomy using 940nm Diode Laser, Lingual Frenectomy using High-frequency Electrosurgery
Keywords
Ankyloglossia, Tongue-tie, Lingual frenectomy, Diode laser, Electrosurgery, Wound healing, Postoperative pain, Early Wound Healing Score (EHS), Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, Kotlow's classification
Medical subject headings
Ankyloglossia, Hyperthermia, Pain, Postoperative

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Lingual Frenectomy using 940nm Diode LaserProcedure or surgery

    Also called Diode Laser Frenectomy, Laser-assisted Frenotomy

    Lingual frenectomy performed using a 940 nm Diode Laser (Epic X, Biolase). The laser is set to pulsed mode (CP2), average power 1W, and peak power 2W. The procedure involves a transverse incision to release the frenum without suturing. Protective eyewear is mandatory for the patient and surgical team.

  • Lingual Frenectomy using High-frequency ElectrosurgeryProcedure or surgery

    Also called Electrosurgical Frenectomy, Electrocautery Frenotomy

    Lingual frenectomy performed using a high-frequency electrosurgical unit (ERBE-VIO 100C). The procedure follows a standardized transverse incision protocol without suturing. A grounding pad (electrode) is applied to the patient's body to complete the circuit. This serves as the active comparator representing the conventional surgical method at the hospital.

Study groups in NCT07557875
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Diode Laser GroupExperimentalPatients in this group undergo lingual frenectomy using a 940 nm diode laser (Epic X, Biolase). The procedure is performed using a transverse incision technique without suturing. Laser settings include an average power of 1W, peak power of 2W in pulsed mode (CP2), and a 940 nm wavelength.
Receives: Procedure: Lingual Frenectomy using 940nm Diode Laser
Electrosurgery GroupActive comparatorPatients in this group undergo lingual frenectomy using a high-frequency electrosurgical unit (ERBE-VIO 100C). The procedure follows the same transverse incision protocol without suturing as the experimental group.
Receives: Procedure: Lingual Frenectomy using High-frequency Electrosurgery

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Early Wound Healing Score (EHS)

    The EHS is used to evaluate the early healing of periodontal soft tissue wounds. It is the sum of three components: Clinical Signs of Re-epithelialization (CSR), Clinical Signs of Haemostasis (CSH), and Clinical Signs of Inflammation (CSI). The total score ranges from 0 to 10, where a higher score indicates better and faster wound healing (10 being perfect healing).

    Measured: 24 hours (T1), 3 days (T2), and 1 week (T3) post-surgery.

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Pain Intensity assessed by Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale

    Patients self-assess their pain levels using a scale of 6 faces representing different pain intensities. Scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain), with increments of 2 (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10).

    Measured: 24 hours (T1), 3 days (T2), and 1 week (T3) post-surgery.

  2. Level of Intraoperative Bleeding

    Bleeding is assessed during the surgical procedure and categorized into 2 levels: Grade 1 (No bleeding) and Grade 2 (Bleeding present, requiring local haemostatic measures like gauze pressure or laser/electrosurgery coagulation).

    Measured: During the surgical procedure (T0)

  3. Increase in Free Tongue Length

    Measured as the distance (in mm) from the attachment of the lingual frenum on the ventral surface of the tongue to the tip of the tongue using a Quick Tongue-Tie (QTT) measurement tool.

    Measured: Baseline (T0), 1 week (T3), and 1 month (T4) post-surgery.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted30 Apr 2026
  2. Study start1 Oct 2024
  3. Primary completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Oct 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
The study utilizes a parallel-group, randomized clinical trial design with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Participants are assigned to either the experimental group or the control group using a simple randomization method (drawing lots). * Randomization: A total of 50 lots are prepared, divided into two equal sets marked with numbers "1" and "2". Each participant draws one lot to determine their treatment group. * Allocation: Group 1 (Experimental): Participants who draw lot "1" undergo lingual frenectomy using a 940 nm diode laser. Group 2 (Control): Participants who draw lot "2" undergo the procedure using high-frequency electrosurgery. * Blinding: This is a single-blind study. Participants and their legal guardians are blinded to the assigned surgical method. To ensure objective results, the outcome evaluator is also blinded to the participant's treatment group.
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
53 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07557875
Sponsor's protocol ID
IRB00010293-2026
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
22 Apr 2026
Last updated
30 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: The individual participant data will not be shared to ensure absolute confidentiality for the pediatric patients and their families, as stated in the informed consent and study protocol approved by the Ethics Committee.

Publications

  • Kotlow LA. Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie): a diagnostic and treatment quandary. Quintessence Int. 1999 Apr;30(4):259-62.

    PubMed 10635253
  • Hwang WB, Kim DJ, Oh GS, Park JH. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligands Indoxyl 3-sulfate and Indole-3-carbinol Inhibit FMS-like Tyrosine Kinase 3 Ligand-induced Bone Marrow-derived plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Differentiation. Immune Netw. 2018 Oct 23;18(5):e35. doi: 10.4110/in.2018.18.e35. eCollection 2018 Oct.

    PubMed 30402330
  • Mazzoni A, Navarro RS, Fernandes KPS, Mesquita-Ferrari RA, Horliana ACRT, Silva T, Santos EM, Sobral APT, Junior AB, Nammour S, Motta LJ, Bussadori SK. Comparison of the Effects of High-Power Diode Laser and Electrocautery for Lingual Frenectomy in Infants: A Blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. J Clin Med. 2022 Jun 30;11(13):3783. doi: 10.3390/jcm11133783.

    PubMed 35807068

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Lingual Frenectomy using 940nm Diode Laser and Lingual Frenectomy using High-frequency Electrosurgery in people with Ankyloglossia and Tongue-tie, run by University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City at 2 sites in Vietnam.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in Vietnam. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Phong Dai Lam, PhD, DDS ((+84) 906312958, phonglam@ump.edu.vn), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Early Wound Healing Score (EHS) (time frame: 24 hours (T1), 3 days (T2), and 1 week (T3) post-surgery.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07557875, which also lists 3 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Apr 2026.

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