Tongue laceration

Background

• Secondary to tongue biting
• Serious injuries can cause hemorrhage and potential airway compromise

Management

• Do not need primary repair unless >1 cm in length, widely gaping, involving tip, or large hemorrhage
  • Use absorbable sutures
  • Anesthesia of the anterior 2/3 of the tongue is obtained through an inf alveolar block
  • Chlorhexidinemouth wash to prevent infection

See Also

• Tongue Diagnoses
• Lacerations