What is Tongue Tie?
The lingual frenulum. It connects the underside of your tongue to the floor of your mouth.
Ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, occurs when a short or tight band disrupts normal tongue movement. Patients with tongue tie cannot lift the tongue to the roof of their mouth or extend it past their lower lip. Because the tongue helps shape your palate and direct swallow patterns during growth, an unreleased tie causes symptoms throughout the head and neck.
Common Signs of a Tongue Tie
An untreated tie creates several issues including:
- Speech Challenges: Difficulty pronouncing sounds that require upper palate contact, including “t,” “d,” “z,” “s,” and “r.”
- Swallowing Problems: It’s hard to move food around your mouth, forcing unnatural swallowing mechanics.
- Jaw Tension and Neck Pain: Surrounding facial muscles overwork to compensate for restricted tongue movement.
- Sleep Disruption: Restricted tongue posture can block airway space, contributing to mouth breathing and snoring.
- Periodontal Pull: Tight connective tissue pulls down on the gums behind the teeth, causing recession.
What Happens During Tongue Tie Treatment?
Releasing restricted tissue takes only a few minutes at Washington Periodontics.
During tongue tie treatment in Burke, Dr. Karapetian applies local numbing to keep you comfortable. If you feel nervous, light sedation options help keep your visit stress-free.
Using fine surgical instruments, Dr. Karapetian quickly and precisely releases the tight frenulum, providing instant freedom.
Because the tissue fold has minimal blood supply, bleeding is light, and the site closes fast. Simple stretching exercises and home-care instructions help ensure proper tissue healing.
Visit Our Specialist for Tongue Tie Release in Burke, VA
As a Board-Certified Periodontist, Dr. Christine Karapetian understands muscle dynamics and tissue mechanics. She designs a custom care plan for long-term comfort. Whether you live in Burke, commute from Fairfax, or travel in from West Springfield, our periodontist is here to help.
Call Washington Periodontics at (571) 569-7540 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Karapetian and take the first step toward releasing your tongue tie.
