Do not need primary repair unless >1 cm in length, widely gaping, involving tip / anterior split tongue, or large hemorrhage
Use absorbable sutures, chromic gut or vicryl but not fast absorbing
Tie 4-5 knots but approximate loosely to allow for swelling
Anesthesia of the anterior 2/3 of the tongue is obtained through a lingual nerve block or topical anesthesia with 4% lidocaine soaked gauze.
Chlorhexidine mouth wash to prevent infection
Use absorbable sutures, chromic gut or vicryl but not fast absorbing
Tie 4-5 knots but approximate loosely to allow for swelling
Anesthesia of the anterior 2/3 of the tongue is obtained through a lingual nerve block or topical anesthesia with 4% lidocaine soaked gauze.
Chlorhexidine mouth wash to prevent infection
Who needs suturing (see photo to the right)?
Tongue laceration
Ear laceration
Strawberry tongue
Nailbed laceration
Black hairy tongue
Nasal fracture
Oropharyngeal candidiasis 
Lip laceration