Cleft Lip and Palate

During pregnancy, separate areas of the face develop individually and then join together. If some parts do not join properly, a cleft, or gap, can occur in the upper lip or the roof of the mouth. Children who are born with a cleft lip or palate may experience difficulty nursing and forming certain sounds during speech. At Lubbock Dental Specialists, we treat cleft lip and cleft palate to help children achieve proper oral function and improve facial aesthetics. 

Dr. Graves and Dr. Wilkinson are board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons who will design a custom care plan for your child’s unique needs and keep you informed about your child’s care at every step. Contact our office in Lubbock or Amarillo, TX, today to schedule a consultation and begin your child’s oral surgery treatment. 

Importance of Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment

A child may be born with a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both, and the cleft can range from a small notch to a wide gap. A fully formed lip and palate are essential for oral function. Therefore, it is crucial that children born with a cleft see a specialist early to receive a custom care plan and timeline. Special bottles and tools exist to help a child eat and function with a cleft, but eventually surgery will be necessary. Starting treatment early will improve the child’s ability to eat, speak, and hear normally, as well as improve the child’s facial aesthetics. 

If a cleft lip or palate is left untreated, a child can face a number of problems, such as: 

• Difficulty feeding
• Development issues
• Frequent ear infections, which may also affect hearing
• Teeth do not develop properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay 
• Speech problems
• Low self-esteem because of the appearance of the cleft 

Children who undergo oral surgery treatment for a cleft lip or palate see an improvement in these areas, especially when combined with speech therapy. Our surgeons at Lubbock Dental Specialists collaborate with other members of your child’s care team to design a treatment plan and achieve an optimal outcome that benefits your child’s health and happiness. 

Surgery to Repair Cleft Lip or Cleft Palate

Dr. Graves and Dr. Wilkinson will work with other members of your child’s care team to determine the right type for surgery and plan the details of your child’s care. Our office is equipped with advanced 3D scanning technology to help us create detailed surgical guides and treatment plans. As oral surgeons, we are qualified to administer all types of anesthesia. We will discuss these options with you and help determine the right option to ensure your child’s comfort during surgery. 

The number of procedures necessary will depend on the severity of the child’s condition. Treatment for a cleft lip typically requires one or two surgeries, the first of which should take place before the child is 12 months old. During this procedure, the surgeon will close the separation and restore appearance to the lip and nose. 

Treatment for a cleft palate is more involved, and the initial procedure should take place when the child is between 6 and 12 months old. Another surgery around the age of 8 may be necessary to increase bone quantity in the upper jaw and gum line, which provides more support for the permanent teeth. Additional surgeries and orthodontic work may be necessary throughout the child’s development to achieve proper oral function and ensure the permanent teeth develop correctly.

Cleft Lip and Palate Treatment at Lubbock Dental Specialists

If your child is born with a cleft lip and/or palate, you can trust in our team of experts to provide your child with the highest level of care possible. Our oral surgeons are board-certified and have helped many children born with clefts achieve beautiful and healthy outcomes. Contact our practice in Lubbock or Amarillo, TX, to schedule an appointment and begin your child’s oral surgery journey.