How an Oral Surgeon Can Help with a Cleft Palate
Posted on 1/1/2025 by Pacific Oral and Facial Surgery Center |
 A cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs when the roof of the mouth doesn't completely close during pregnancy. This opening can affect eating, speaking, and hearing and can range in severity. Thankfully, there are many treatment options available, and an oral surgeon can play a vital role in helping children with cleft palates live happy, healthy lives.
What does an oral surgeon do for a cleft palate?
Oral surgeons are dental professionals who have extensive training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of oral and facial conditions, including cleft palates. They work closely with a team of other specialists, including pediatricians, plastic surgeons, speech therapists, and audiologists, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for each individual patient.
The role of an oral surgeon in cleft palate repair typically involves:
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Examining and evaluating the cleft: This includes assessing the severity of the cleft, its impact on surrounding structures, and any potential complications. |
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Performing surgery to close the cleft: This is usually done in multiple stages, with the first surgery performed within the first year of life. The specific surgical approach will depend on the individual case. |
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Addressing related dental problems: Cleft palates can sometimes cause problems with tooth development and eruption. Oral surgeons can address these issues through various procedures, including bone grafting and dental implants. |
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Monitoring growth and development: As children with cleft palates grow, they may require additional surgeries or other interventions to maintain proper function and aesthetics. |
How can oral surgeons improve the lives of people with cleft palates?
Oral surgeons play a critical role in helping people with cleft palates achieve the following:
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Improved facial appearance: Cleft palate repair can significantly improve facial aesthetics, boosting confidence and self-esteem. |
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Enhanced speech: By correcting the structural abnormalities in the palate, oral surgeons can help patients develop clearer speech patterns. |
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Better eating and swallowing: Closing the cleft palate allows for more efficient eating and swallowing, reducing the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airways). |
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Improved hearing: Cleft palates can affect the middle ear, leading to hearing problems. Oral surgeons work with other specialists to address these issues and improve hearing function. |
Restoration dentistry and cleft palates
In addition to surgical procedures, restoration dentistry can also play an important role in the treatment of cleft palates. Restorative dentists can help with the following:
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Filling in missing teeth: Cleft palates can sometimes cause missing or malformed teeth. Restorative dentists can use dental implants, bridges, or other methods to replace missing teeth and restore normal function and aesthetics. |
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Improving the alignment of teeth: Misaligned teeth can be caused by a cleft palate and can make it difficult to eat, speak, and keep the mouth clean. Restorative dentists can use braces or other orthodontic appliances to straighten teeth and improve their alignment. |
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Providing cosmetic improvements: Restorative dentistry can also be used to improve the appearance of the teeth and gums, further enhancing self-esteem. |
Conclusion
Oral surgeons play a vital role in the treatment of cleft palates, helping patients achieve improved function, speech, hearing, and appearance. They work as part of a team to provide comprehensive care and address the specific needs of each individual. By combining surgical expertise with restorative dentistry techniques, oral surgeons can significantly improve the quality of life for people with cleft palates.
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