What Is Tongue-Tie?

Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth where there is an excessive amount of tissue membranes where the tongue connects to the bottom of the mouth, restricting the tongue's range of motion.

Similarly, a Lip Tie is a condition where the tissue connected to the upper lip is attached to the gums, restricting the lip from moving.

How Can We Treat Tongue or Lip Tie?

Thanks to advances in laser technology, our practice is able to quickly, and with little discomfort treat lip and tongue ties through CO2 laser surgery using the LightScalpel laser which has many advantages including:

  • Minimized Bleeding: As it vaporizes the tissue, the LightScalpel laser seals small blood vessels. The resulting reduction in bleeding makes frenectomy a quick and easy procedure.
  • Less Swelling and Discomfort: Less Swelling and Discomfort: The LightScalpel CO2 laser beams seals lymphatics, resulting in less postoperative swelling and discomfort.
  • Reduced Risk of Infection: The sanitizing effect of laser minimizes the risk of infection and means faster healing.
  • Shortened Procedure Time: Less bleeding ensures the improved visibility of the treatment area. This helps minimize the duration of the procedure.
  • Faster Recovery: Reduced trauma, minimal to no bleeding, less swelling and discomfort, shorter periods of anesthesia result in faster healing and recovery time.
  • Advanced laser tools mean better results. The lightweight ergonomic handpieces and flexible fiber waveguide of the LightScalpel CO2 laser allow for enhanced precision with pin-point accuracy and excellent reach.
    • LightScalpel. LightScalpel, LLC. Retrieved February 28, 2025, from https://www.lightscalpel.com/

At our office, we treat infants up to 1 year old and children starting at 4 years old. Myofunctional Therapy is needed for children and adults if seeking to get frenectomy treated. Our Hygienist, Alyssa Perisnger, is an OMT, she works with our patients on Myo assessments and therapy sessions. Myofunctional therapy uses exercises and behavior modification techniques to retrain the tongue, lips, and jaw with the aim of correcting functional irregularities of the face and mouth. If you are interested and would like to learn more or get a consultation, please call us (540) 432-1600.

Want More Information?

Here is an educational video provided by Dr. Richard Baxter of the Alabama Tongue-Tie Center: