Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Treatment (Frenectomy) in Lexington, SC
Reviewed by Dr. Kathi Sample, Children’s Dentist at Sunset Children’s Dentistry · Updated October 13, 2026
A tongue-tie or lip-tie happens when the small band of tissue under the tongue or upper lip is short or tight. For some babies and children it causes no problems. For others it can make nursing, bottle feeding, eating or speech harder. Our pediatric dentists in Lexington, SC evaluate ties and, when treatment will help, release them with a quick in-office frenectomy.
What is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is a short procedure that releases a tight frenum, the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth (lingual frenum) or the upper lip to the gums (labial frenum). The medical term for tongue-tie is ankyloglossia.
Not every tie needs treatment. We look at how your child’s tongue and lip move and how they are feeding, eating or talking, then recommend a release only when it is likely to help. If we do not think it will make a difference, we will tell you.
Looking for Tongue-Tie Surgery in SC? Start Here
Sunset Children’s Dentistry at 5080 Sunset Blvd in Lexington evaluates and treats tongue-ties and lip-ties for babies, children and teens, Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm. Families come from Lexington, Columbia, West Columbia, Irmo, Red Bank, Gilbert and Oak Grove. If your lactation consultant, pediatrician or speech therapist suggested a tie evaluation, call us to schedule.
STEP 1
Evaluation
We examine how the tongue and lip move, ask about feeding or speech, and explain whether a release is likely to help.
STEP 2
Quick In-Office Release
If you choose treatment, we numb the area and release the tight tissue. The procedure itself usually takes just a few minutes.
STEP 3
Feeding and Comfort
Babies can usually nurse or take a bottle right away. We explain how to keep your child comfortable over the next few days.
STEP 4
Stretches and Follow-Up
We show you gentle stretches that help the area heal well and check healing at a follow-up visit.
Honest Evaluations
We only recommend a release when it is likely to help.
Quick Procedure
The release itself usually takes just a few minutes.
Team Approach
We coordinate with lactation, pediatric and speech providers.
Clear Aftercare
Simple stretches and follow-up so healing goes smoothly.
Why Families Choose Sunset for Tongue-Tie Treatment
Families choose Sunset Children’s Dentistry because our pediatric dentists focus only on children, we explain what we see in plain language, and we never push a procedure your child does not need. Because we also provide checkups, infant oral care and orthodontics, your child can keep seeing the same team as they grow.
Dr. Kathi Sample
Trusted Children's Dentist in Lexington, SC
Dr. Jeffrey Jackson
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist in Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers for parents about tongue-ties, lip-ties and frenectomy.
Does insurance cover tongue-tie treatment for kids?
Coverage depends on your plan and why the release is needed. Our team can review your benefits, including South Carolina Medicaid, before the visit.
Areas We Serve Near Lexington, SC
Families bring babies and children to our Lexington office for tongue-tie and lip-tie care from across the Midlands, including Columbia and West Columbia, Irmo, Red Bank, Gilbert and Oak Grove.