A Leading Frenectomy Provider in South Africa
Transformational dentistry is a broader approach to dentistry than traditional dentistry because it focuses on improving a patient’s overall appearance rather than on treating specific disorders.
Transformational dentists use a variety of methods, including cosmetic dentistry procedures, orthodontics, implant dentistry, periodontal therapy, or a frenectomy.
What is a Frenectomy Procedure?
A frenectomy procedure is a small surgical treatment that involves the removal of a frenum, which is a band of tissue that links two body components.
A frenum can connect the lips to the gums or the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
Types of Frenectomy Procedures:
Oral frenectomies come in two main types:
In a lingual frenectomy, the band of tissue that ties the bottom of your tongue to the floor of your mouth is removed or changed. Tongue-ties can be fixed with a lingual frenectomies.
Labial frenectomy is a treatment that removes the band of tissue that connects your upper gums to your front teeth. It is sometimes called a maxillary frenectomy. Labial frenectomies can also be done on the lower lip but are less common.
Who Should Consider a Frenectomy:
Frenectomies are often done on babies who are having trouble drinking or on a person who is having trouble speaking. Frenectomies can be done quickly and with little pain on babies just a few weeks after they are born.
An adult may need a frenectomy when a frenum is so tight that it pulls the person’s gums away from the teeth. Your dentist at Transformational Dentistry can help you figure out if you need a frenectomy and when the best time is to have it.
A frenectomy is used to address a variety of disorders, such as:
Tongue-tie, a disorder that occurs when the frenulum linguae, the band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short or too tight and might limit the range of motion of the tongue, making it difficult to breastfeed, speak correctly, or complete some oral hygiene duties.
A lip-tie, when the frenulum band that connects the lower lip to the gum line, is excessively short or too tight.
A gummy smile, when a person’s gum tissue is visible when they smile, a condition that can be caused by a small frenulum.
A frenectomy may assist closing a gap between two teeth because it may be due to the frenulum’s ability to tug the teeth apart.
How a Frenectomy is Performed:
A frenectomy is a simple treatment that can be done in either a doctor’s or dentist’s office. Most of the time, local anaesthesia is used, so the patient is awake but numb. There are times when general anaesthesia is used.
During the surgery, the frenum will be cut off with a knife, a laser, or another tool. Most of the time, the process only takes a few minutes.
With babies, the frenulum is cut off with scissors. Most of the time, this is fast and only takes a few minutes. Most of the time, babies don’t need any more care, and they can start feeding again right away.
A doctor may use local anaesthesia to numb the area around the frenum in older children and adults. Once you are comfy, they will use a scalpel or surgical scissors to cut off or change your frenum.
In some situations, stitches (sutures) may be needed to close the cut. Most of the time, the process takes 30 minutes or less.
After a frenectomy, your doctor will give you detailed directions on what to do next.
Potential Benefits of Frenectomy Treatment:
Frenectomy surgery has a lot of advantages. For instance, this procedure can:
- Help babies who are having trouble breastfeeding.
- Tongue-tie makes it hard to talk, so you should fix it.
- Cut down on your chances of getting cavities, gum disease, and other problems with your mouth.
- Close any gaps in your teeth to make your appearance and smile look better.
Frenectomy Recovery & Aftercare:
The patient may have some pain, swelling, and bleeding after the operation. The doctor will give you painkillers and you may need to use antibacterial mouthwash to help keep an infection from happening.
After the process, the person shouldn’t do anything too hard or play contact sports for a few days. Most stitches or staples will dissolve on their own within a week. Most people get better after a frenectomy in just a few days.
Your healthcare provider may want to see you again after a week or two to monitor your healing.
Potential Risks and Complications of a Frenectomy:
A frenectomy has risks and a patient can experience complications, just like any other surgery. Some risks of having a frenectomy are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to the salivary ducts that drain saliva near the tongue tie.
- Pain and swelling.
- Anesthesia causes an allergic response.
- Rare reattachment of the frenum.
Why Choose Transformational Dentistry
Transformation Dentistry is the best dental practice to go for this procedure because Dr Verster has many years of training and experience to fix even the most difficult dental problems.
Since more than 30 years ago, he has been helping people with cosmetic, implant, orthodontic, and functional remedies.
His dedication to “doing it right” and being able to “handle just about anything” has made patients and other doctors admire him.
We offer a range of transformational dentistry services, including teeth whitening, and dental implant placements, all on 4 and all on 6
FAQ's
Why would you need a frenectomy?
You would need a frenectomy if a frenum is so tight that it pulls your gums away from the teeth or limit the range of motion of the tongue, making it difficult to speak correctly, or complete oral hygiene duties.
How painful is a frenectomy?
A frenectomy is usually only mildly painful and resolves within a few days. Most people experience minimal discomfort.
What is the best age to do a frenectomy?
The best age to do a frenectomy will depend on the specific problem and your dentist will determine that.
How much does a frenectomy cost in South Africa?
The cost of a frenectomy in South Africa varies depending on the complexity of the case but will typically range between R1500 and R4000.
How long does a frenectomy take to heal?
Depending on the individual and the complexity of the procedure, a frenectomy usually takes around 7-10 days to heal.
How long does frenectomy surgery take?
Most of the time, frenectomy surgery takes 30 minutes or less.
