What are Tongue Ties and Lip Ties?
Everyone has frenums, but short, stiff, or improperly attached ones can cause big issues.
For example, a lingual frenulum anchored too close to the tip of the tongue creates a classic tongue tie (ankyloglossia). A tongue tie prevents the tongue from reaching the root of the mouth or resting correctly against your palate.
A labial frenulum attaches your upper or lower lip directly to the gumline. If that band pulls too hard, it tugs tissue away from your teeth every time you speak or chew. Left unaddressed, a tight lip tie can force your front teeth apart or pull your gums down.
How a Frenectomy Procedure Works
Fixing a restrictive tie takes just a few minutes in our office.
Dr. Karapetian numbs the spot with a quick-acting local anesthetic. If you or your child feels nervous, we can discuss light sedation options. Using soft-tissue surgical instruments, Dr. Karapetian snips or lifts the restrictive tissue band.
Removing the tether instantly restores movement to your tongue or lips. The incision site is tiny and heals quickly with minimal soreness.
Signs You Need a Frenectomy in Burke, VA
Oral ties affect patients of all ages across Northern Virginia, from school-aged children to adults. Common symptoms include:
- Inability to push the tongue past the lower front teeth
- A heart-shaped dip at the tip of the tongue when extended
- Speech difficulties or trouble pronouncing certain consonant sounds
- A gap between the top two front teeth
- Gum recession caused by gumline pulling
- Chronic jaw tightness from overcompensating while swallowing
Why Choose Our Periodontist for Frenectomy in Burke
Precision matters when freeing frenulums, which is why specialist care is ideal.
Dr. Karapetian brings extensive periodontal expertise to soft tissue surgery. She evaluates the structural mechanics of your entire mouth before removing tissue. Furthermore, if a tight lip tie has already pulled your gums back, Dr. Karapetian can also repair your damaged gumline.
Schedule a Consultation for Frenectomy Treatment in Burke, VA
Call Washington Periodontics at (571) 569-7540 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Karapetian and find out how a simple frenectomy can help.
