ATTENTION VA BEACH PATIENTS:
Our new location is 837 First Colonial Road, VA Beach, VA 23451
A tight band of tissue in the mouth can affect far more than a smile. When the frenulum, the small strip of tissue connecting the lip or tongue to the gums or floor of the mouth, is unusually short or tight, it can restrict movement and lead to difficulty speaking, eating, or maintaining healthy gums. Adults may notice discomfort while kissing or eating certain foods, while parents often catch the signs early through feeding struggles or speech delays in their children. Left unaddressed, this condition can quietly shape daily habits and long-term oral health in ways many people never expect.
At Goodove Oral Surgery, we understand how important it is to feel confident in the surgical care you receive, especially for a procedure as precise as a frenectomy. Our oral surgery procedures are performed by board-certified surgeons who have built their careers on providing calm, thorough, and personalized care. As a hometown practice that has remained independently owned, we take pride in offering continuity and attentive treatment.
A frenectomy is a straightforward surgical procedure that removes or releases a restrictive frenulum, most commonly the lingual frenulum beneath the tongue or the labial frenulum connecting the upper lip to the gums. According to the National Institutes of Health, ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue tie, can affect tongue mobility and has been linked to feeding difficulties, speech challenges, and gum recession. A frenectomy addresses this restriction directly, allowing for improved movement and function.
The procedure itself is typically quick and minimally invasive. Using precise surgical techniques, we carefully remove the excess tissue while prioritizing your comfort throughout the appointment. Most patients are surprised by how brief the recovery period is compared to their expectations going in.
There are several reasons a frenectomy may be recommended, and the condition can present differently depending on age and the specific frenulum involved. Recognizing the signs early can make treatment simpler and support better long-term outcomes.
Common reasons patients seek a frenectomy include the following:
Once a referring dentist or physician identifies one of these concerns, a consultation with our team helps determine whether a frenectomy is the appropriate next step.
At Goodove Oral Surgery, we approach every frenectomy with the same precision and attention to patient comfort that define our entire practice. Before the procedure, we conduct a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and discuss what to expect at every stage.
During the appointment, local anesthesia is used to keep patients comfortable while the restrictive tissue is carefully addressed. Depending on the patient’s age and specific needs, sedation options may also be available to ease any anxiety about the procedure. Our oral pathology expertise allows us to evaluate any surrounding soft tissue concerns at the same time, ensuring nothing is overlooked during your visit.
Recovery from a frenectomy is generally quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within a day or two. Mild soreness or swelling near the surgical site is common, but discomfort is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and a temporarily softer diet.
Our surgical staff provides clear, personalized aftercare instructions before you leave, and we remain available to answer questions throughout your recovery. Whether your child needs guidance on soothing techniques after their procedure or you are managing your own recovery as an adult, we make sure you never feel unsupported during the healing process.
Choosing the right surgical team matters, particularly for a procedure that affects speech, feeding, or daily comfort. Dr. Scott R. Goodove, founder of the practice, brings dual board certification and years of dedicated experience to every patient he treats in Virginia Beach. His commitment to personalized, relationship-driven care has shaped the culture of our entire practice.
In Chesapeake, Dr. Peter Zagursky brings his board certification and background as a retired Army officer to his care, offering patients the same meticulous, compassionate approach. Together, our doctors and surgical staff are trained and experienced in creating a genuinely caring environment, whether a patient needs a steady hand to hold or simply clear answers to their questions. We also work directly with patients on insurance and financing options to help make treatment as accessible as possible.
If you suspect that a tight frenulum is affecting your comfort, speech, or feeding, or if your dentist has referred you for further evaluation, addressing it sooner rather than later can prevent ongoing frustration. Our team at Goodove Oral Surgery is here to walk you through the entire process, from your first consultation through recovery, with the personal attention that comes from being an independent, community-rooted practice.
To schedule your consultation, reach out to us, and a member of our team will be happy to help you find the appointment time that works best for you.
Dr. Goodove brings years of specialized oral surgery expertise to Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, serving as your trusted hometown oral surgeon. With operating privileges at multiple local hospitals, Dr. Goodove delivers patient-centered care backed by advanced training and a commitment to creating comfortable, anxiety-free experiences. His philosophy of accessibility and personal attention sets the foundation for the practice's reputation as "the doctor's doctor" in the community.
Dr. Zagursky is a retired Army veteran who continues to serve the community through exceptional oral surgery care. With extensive military experience and specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Zagursky brings discipline, precision, and a deep commitment to patient welfare to every procedure. His background working with diverse patient populations and dedication to the underserved makes him an invaluable part of the Goodove Oral Surgery team.
Trusted by referring dentists and families since 2008
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
