Partial glossectomy as an auxiliary method to orthodontic treatment of dentofacial deformity

Introduction: macroglossia is a condition which influences the size and shape of the teeth employed due to the forces on teeth. Objective: To establish bases for the indication of partial glossectomy associated with orthodontic treatment and surgical dento-facial deformity in patients without tumors and Down syndrome as a cause of macroglossia. Case reports: Three patients underwent orthognathic surgery associated with partial glossectomy under general anesthesia. All patients had macroglossia relative and underwent clinical assessment taking into account the respiratory function, swallowing and speech deficits and radiological evaluation. The technique used consist of segmental resection along the median raphe of the tongue and suture by planes. We used rigid skeletal fixation with titanium plates and screws so that patients could stay without intermaxillary block in the immediate postoperative period. Were followed over five years. The symptoms regressed completely and all skeletal segments remained stable. Discussion: The decision to refer the patient to partial glossectomy should be based on the volume of the language, mobility, position, function, symptoms, speech intelligibility, skeletal anterior open bite, interference in orthodontic treatment, drooling, swallowing and tongue trauma applicant.