Cleft Lip and Palate

Cleft palates or cleft lips are formed in the womb, when the left and right sides of the roof of the roof of the mouth and lips don’t form together properly. Your palate, or the roof of your mouth, is made of bone and muscle and is covered by a thin, wet skin that forms the red covering inside the mouth. Since the lip and palate develop separately, it is possible for a child to be born with a cleft lip, palate or both.

It takes several professionals to manage the problems associated with the defect such as feeding, speech, hearing and psychological development. In most cases, surgery is recommended. When surgery is done by an experienced, qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon such as Dr. Eklund the results can be extremely favorable.

Treating Cleft Lip

Surgery to correct a cleft lip is usually performed around the age of 10. The surgery’s goal is to close the separation, to provide a normal shape to the mouth, and to restore muscle function.  Nostril deformity may be improved as a result of the procedure or may require an additional surgery.

Treating Cleft Palate

Cleft palate surgery is generally considered safe when the child is between 7 - 18 months old.  However this can vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition, the child’s overall health, etc.  If your son or daughter needs cleft palate surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Eklund so that he can make a recommendation based on your child’s specific situation.  

The cleft hard palate is generally repaired when the cuspid teeth begin to develop, which is normally between the ages of 8 and 12. The procedure may also be performed in teenagers and adults by itself or combined with corrective jaw surgery.

Major Goals of Cleft Surgery:

• Close the gap or hole between the roof of the mouth and the nose.
• Reconnect the muscles that make the palate work.
• Make the repaired palate long enough so it can perform its function properly.

There are many different techniques that Dr. Eklund can use to accomplish these goals.  Contact Southwest Oral & Implant Surgery to determine the best treatment option for your son or daughter.

What Happens After Cleft Palate/Cleft Lip Treatment?

After the cleft surgery has been completed, your son or daughter will experience the positive results immediately, and will have an easier time swallowing food and liquids. One out of every five children may need further surgery to fully correct the cleft palate or cleft lip.

Cleft Palate surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in complete comfort at Southwest Oral & Implant Surgery’s sterile surgical suite. You have a choice of anesthesia options including local anesthesia, local anesthesia with nitrous (laughing gas), or intravenous (IV) sedation (twilight sleep or conscious sedation). No matter which option you choose, the trained staff at Southwest Oral & Implant Surgery will be at your side to reassure you and answer any questions you may have.

Contact Us

If you are a dentist or a physician who is interested in referring your patients to Dr. Eklund, visit the Referring Doctors section for more information. If you are a patient who would like to schedule an appointment, visit the Contact Us section for hours, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.