Which tongue lacerations do I need to repair?

You should repair those that cause problems with breathing, speech and/or gustation/swallowing:

• Bisect the tongue extending through the free edge – creating the “snake” look
• Have large mobile flaps or U-shaped defects (>1-2cm)
• Won’t stop bleeding
• Are avulsion or amputation injuries – which may require a surgeon (ENT, OMFS etc.) if complex.