It is without doubt that there are many children who are born with various birth defects and the Central Maryland Oral Maxillofacial Surgery PA is well aware of this fact. Some of the most common defects are both the cleft clip and the palate. Statistics indicate that at least one in every seven hundred babies has the cleft clip or the cleft palate. The former can be treated easily. This can be done by closing the opening that is on the upper side of the lip and thus restoring the ability of the child to take meals and also speak. However like the latter, it also requires some special attention as a result of the various syndromes that may accompany it.
Through the ultrasound procedure, it can be possible to do a diagnosis to determine if the child has cleft on the lip and a palate before the birth of child at the hospital. Where the child is diagnosed with a cleft palate or lip before birth, there are expert surgeons such as Richard J. Nessiff who can offer the parent some prenatal counseling
It is possible to treat the disorder with a surgery of the cleft lip and also palate. This operation works well in improving the facial appearance of the child. It also helps in increasing the ability of the child to eat and also breathe. The initial operation must be followed by other multiple surgeries such as the revision of the scar, rhinoplasty and the pharyngeal flaps. Other surgery that may also be necessary is the corrective jaw surgeries.
The defect of the cleft lip can be corrected in the early stages of the life of the infant. The correcting of the cleft lip is relatively easier and should be performed when the baby is between the ages of three to four months. The surgery for correcting a cleft palate should be carried out when the child is between the age of twelve and eighteen months.
A surgery for the grafting of the bone to remedy the alveolar portion of the cleft is usually carried out when the child is between the age of six and eleven months. This usually precedes the coming out of the canines. At times it may be necessary for the infant to undergo orthodontics before the procedure can be carried out.
Children who have the cleft lip or palate require different surgeries even after the first repair has been done. These could include the revision of the scar and a nose surgery to help in the correction of certain deformities that are usually associated with the cleft.
It should be noted that the treatment of the cleft of the child should be done in an approach that is both careful and also detailed. This requires a team that has a wealth of experience in the industry. One place where you can find such experience is none other than the Central Maryland Oral Maxillofacial Surgery PA. Therefore if your child has this condition, you should consider making a call to them.