Cleft lip and Cleft palate
The common birth issues in the world are Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate. In India, for every 1000 births, there are at least two cases of Cleft lip or/and Cleft Palate reported.
During the early pregnancy stage, the human body undergoes a fusion of different facial tissues. Failure in the fusion of lip tissues and Palate tissues leads to the formation of gaps/clefts. If the cleft involves the lip, then it is called the Cleft lip. It can happen on either side or on both sides of the Lip.
The palate, which is the roof of the mouth, may also fail to fuse some times. This result in Cleft palate. The palate is the one that separates the mouth and nose. Imagine how would it be if there is a free passage between both.
In some children, both palate and lips fail to fuse in the prenatal stage. This results in Cleft lip and palate.
Cleft lip and Cleft palate are not just a matter of facial aesthetics. They could cause Speech impairment, Respiratory issues, difficulty in feeding, and a lot of Psychological issues.
But with the advancements in the medical field, even birth problems like Cleft lip, and Cleft palate can be corrected. Professionals who treat and rectify the Cleft Lip and Palate are called as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
aRdent Dental Care, which is one of the best dental clinics in Hyderabad, has expert Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons, who can correct Cleft palate and Cleft lip.
Cleft lip surgery
This surgery should be performed when the child is in their neonatal stage i.e., about 10- 60 days of the birth. Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon with utmost precision close the gap thereby allowing it function normally. Also, this surgery results in the correction of nostril deformities.
The surgeon may consider another subsequent surgery if the intended results aren’t achieved.
Cleft Palate Surgery
This surgery is generally performed when the child is between 7 to 18 months old. It totally depends on the condition of the child, for whom the surgery needs to be conducted. In cases of hard palates, the cleft can be operated between the ages of 8 and 12.
If the child is suffering from any other disorder, then the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon will take a call on when the surgery can be done!
Cleft palate surgery aims to:
- Close the cleft formed between the Palate and nose
- Stimulate the muscles that facilitate functionalities
- Make sure that the palate attains proper functionality
Post-surgery, the child may feel it comfortable and easier to consume food. But he/she may need the help of speech therapist.
In some cases, the operated cleft start failing by forming gaps again. This is referred to as Fistula, which can be corrected with another surgery.
aRdent Dental Care treats even severe cases of Cleft lip and Cleft palate with utmost precision and sophistication.