Four stages of cleft lip surgery: 1 - the cleft lip 2 - stitches after surgery 3 - the scar from the cleft lip surgery 4 - the skin healed after time

Oral Surgery: Cleft Lip And Palate Surgery

When your baby is born with cleft lip and palate, it can be corrected surgically. Cleft lip and palate are usually detected after birth when the congenital disorders can be seen. However, some parents are made aware of a cleft lip when the mother has an ultrasound after ten weeks of pregnancy. At Absolute Dental, our compassionate oral surgeons offer cleft lip and palate surgery to give your child a beautiful smile.

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What Is A Cleft Lip?

A cleft lip is when a baby is born with an opening or gap in their upper lip. This condition occurs when the baby’s lip does not form properly during the first six to ten weeks of pregnancy. The cleft can either be on one side, which is called a unilateral cleft, or on both sides, which is called a bilateral cleft.

The size of cleft lips can vary from child to child. Some are very small and may only be a small gap, while others are bigger and could extend through the gum tissue and into the nostrils.

What Is A Cleft Palate?

A cleft palate is another congenital condition where a baby is born with an opening in their palate, the roof of the mouth. The hole normally extends into the nasal cavity. This condition also occurs when the palate does not form properly during the first six to ten weeks of pregnancy.

The opening can vary in size, being small or extending all the way to the gums. When the opening of the cleft palate connects with a cleft lip, the condition is referred to as cleft lip and palate.

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Complete exam plus x-rays offer at absolute dental

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What Age Is Common For Cleft Lip And Palate Surgery?

The age for cleft lip and palate surgery depends on the child’s specific needs. The sooner the condition can be corrected surgically, the better it is for the child. A common care and treatment plan could include:

Birth to three months: An initial pediatric oral surgery assessment and education for parents
Three to six months: The initial surgery is scheduled to repair the cleft lip
Six to twelve months: The initial surgery is scheduled to repair the cleft palate
Eighteen months to two years of age: The child is given an initial speech assessment
Three years of age: Another speech assessment is performed to ensure the child is not having speech issues
Five years of age: The child is given another speech assessment. Speech therapy may be necessary for some children with speech difficulties.
Eight to twelve years of age: If needed, a bone graft surgical procedure will be performed to repair the gum tissue
Twelve to fifteen years of age: Orthodontic treatment is recommended, which could include using a retainer or getting braces. Part of the treatment plan is to monitor jaw growth and development and address any remaining cleft lip and palate issues.

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What Is The Surgical Technique For A Cleft Lip And Palate?

The surgical techniques for correcting cleft lip and cleft palate are slightly similar. For cleft lip surgery, the oral surgeon makes incisions in the upper lip muscle to close the gap between the upper lip.

Nasal alveolar molding and lip adhesion may also be used to fill bigger gaps and openings in the nostril. Once each part of the lip is brought together, it is stitched in place. A scar often remains under the nose, but most surgeons attempt to align it with the natural lines of the upper lip to make it less noticeable.

Cleft palate surgery involves making incisions into the upper palate to rearrange the muscle tissue and layer it to close the opening. For larger openings, tissue from inside each of the cheeks can be used to help fill in the opening. The surgeon will rearrange the tissue to create an upper palate that makes speaking easier.

Both surgeries require the child to be under general anesthesia. The entire surgical process for each surgical procedure is generally around two hours. Your child will also need to remain in the hospital for one to three days.

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We Accept Most Dental Insurance

Absolute Dental is a preferred provider for most insurances, unions, and hotels that include: Aetna, Ameritas, Boon-Chapman, Caesars Palace, Cigna, Delta Dental, Diversified, Geha, Guardian, Harrah’s, HealthSCOPE Benefits, Health Plan of Nevada (HPN), Humana, Liberty, Met-Life, MGM-MIRAGE, Premier Access, The Standard, Station Casinos, Teachers Health Trust, United Concordia, United Healthcare, Venetian, and The Zenith. We also accept Medicaid.

If you do not see your dental insurance listed here, just give us a call to confirm!

No Insurance? No Problem. Try our Smile Saver Program

Every person’s situation is different. If you don’t see your health insurance here, or if you do not have dental insurance, we can help you!

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(844) 8-SMILE-NOW

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Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery FAQs

How Many Surgeries Are Needed For A Cleft Lip And Palate?

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The number of surgeries required to correct cleft lip and cleft palate depends on the size of the openings and gaps. Some children may need additional surgeries as they get older. For example, they could require a bone graft to correct the opening in their gum tissue.

Another surgery could also be necessary to improve your child’s facial appearance or the functionality of the palate when the initial surgery did not heal as expected or they are having ongoing speech issues. They may also require jaw surgery to address jaw-related developmental issues later in life.

How Long Does Cleft Lip Surgery Recovery Last?

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The incision can take three to four weeks to heal fully following surgery. The stitches are normally removed within a week or two after the surgery. The scar will initially appear red or pink but should gradually fade over the next several months.

Cleft palate surgery recovery also takes between three and four weeks. Your child will be on a liquid and soft food diet during this time. They may need to wear padded splints to prevent their elbows from bending to stop your child from putting their fingers or other objects in the mouth.

Get Cleft Lip And Palate Surgery In Las Vegas Today

It is easy to find an oral surgeon for tooth extraction and cleft lip and palate surgery in Las Vegas at Absolute Dental. Our pediatric dentist, orthodontists, and oral surgeons work with you and your child to develop a personalized care plan to correct their cleft lip and palate for a gorgeous smile. We are a flexible cash-pay dentist near you and offer specials, discounts, easy financing, and our Smile Saver program when you do not have insurance.

Book an initial consultation for cleft lip and palate surgery today (844) 8‑SMILE‑NOW
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Sources:

The Benefits of Cleft Palate Speech Therapy. (2023).

What Is Bilateral Cleft Lip? (2023).

What Is Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate? (2023).

Absolute Dental – Rainbow

Address

7320 South Rainbow Boulevard 103
Las Vegas, Nevada 89139
Phone Number: (702) 825-0270

Hours

Mon: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tue: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wed: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thur: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sat: Call for Availability
Sun: Closed