Treatment
Treatments may include:
Surgery
The main treatment is surgery to close the opening in a lip and/or palate. Additional surgical treatment for oral-facial clefts may include:
- Bite alignment surgery (if the jaw is not aligned properly)
- Plastic and/or nasal surgery to improve facial appearance and function
Other Treatments
Other treatments may include:
-
For cleft palate:
- Prior to surgery, temporary placement of a dental plate in the roof of the mouth to make eating and drinking easier
-
For middle ear infections and fluid build-up:
- Medications to treat infection or prevent fluid build-up
- Surgery to drain built-up fluid and prevent future infections
-
Most children with cleft palate are at risk for hearing loss which may interfere with learning language
- Hearing testing should be done regularly.
- Rarely, children with cleft palate may benefit from hearing aids.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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