Cleft lip treatment can occur early in life and set the child up for normal mouth function, including eating, speaking, and expression. A cleft lip is a condition in which an infant’s lip does not seamlessly connect; instead, a gap is present, often leading toward the nose. This congenital disability is one of the most common in the world, with one in approximately every 3,000 newborns having a cleft lip, according to the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
It is natural for parents to wonder how a professional might treat their child’s cleft lip. The procedure is often done within the first few months of life so the child can develop in speech and other metrics at the same rate as their peers.
Before a child is approved for cleft lip treatment, they will need to be seen by a professional. The extent of the lip division will be noted alongside the condition of the surrounding muscles and the viability of any tissue donor sites (such as inside the mouth) to help close the gap.
Once the child is ready for treatment, parents should schedule an appointment. The child will be sedated and need additional care for the rest of the day and during healing, so parents should plan accordingly.
Once the child has been placed under sedation, the dental professional will make incisions on each side of the lip division to expose important tissues, such as muscles. Then, they draw the separate sides of the lip together, fusing these incisions so they can grow together over time. Special care is taken to properly form the ring of muscles responsible for moving the lip and making expressions.
Using sutures (which may dissolve on their own or need to be removed, depending on the patient), the professional joins the disparate lip sections. When possible, this seam is placed in line with the natural contours joining the nose and lips so it is less visible.
After the procedure, children may need to adjust their food intake to avoid irritating the surgical site. Additionally, parents must ensure that the child does not suck on or attempt to dislodge the stitches. Be sure to keep the child out of the sun, as exposure to sunlight on the newly scarred area can create irregularities that may present a cosmetic concern later.
Healing typically proceeds with minimal issues, and the child’s newly joined lip will quickly begin to function normally. Some children benefit from additional procedures in the future, either to address lingering challenges or to further enhance the aesthetics of the results.
If your child was born with a cleft lip, the procedure to fix it is typically straightforward and gives them the best chance of success with eating, breathing, speaking, and other tasks. Contact our office to discuss your options or schedule an appointment for cleft lip repair!
Request an appointment here: https://www.drjstearns.com or call Platte Valley Oral Surgery at (303) 997-0220 for an appointment in our Denver office.
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