Celebrating 30 years of Trustworthy Expertise, Dr. Kian Djawdan is a Board Certified Implantologist and considered an expert in implant dentistry.
What Is Palatoplasty?
Posted on 7/15/2024 by Kian Djawdan DMD
The palate is the soft and bony structure that forms the roof of the mouth. It separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity. The palate plays a critical role in preventing food particles and liquids from entering the nasal passages. It also aids in speech, swallowing, and breathing. Some children might develop a cleft palate during fetal development. This congenital condition forms a split in the roof of the mouth, resulting in speech, feeding, and oral problems. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon or specialized dentist can correct a cleft palate through palatoplasty.
What to Expect During a Palatoplasty Procedure?
Palatoplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct or reconstruct a cleft palate. It involves incising and repairing a deformed palate, restoring its normal function. The dentist or surgeon will first assess and measure the split to determine the complexity of the surgery required. Our dentist will then administer anesthesia to the patient before performing the necessary treatment. Palatoplasty usually requires one clinical visit and has a higher success rate when performed on infants.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Palatoplasty?
Any patient with a cleft palate can be a suitable candidate for palatoplasty. Dentists and OMS practitioners usually perform this procedure on infants at six to twelve months of age. Early intervention is critical in ensuring a higher success rate. If not performed early, a child might have problems with speech development and feeding. They might also develop oral issues down the line.
Benefits of Palatoplasty
Palatoplasty offers numerous benefits. Besides repairing a cleft palate, it helps restore oral functions, including chewing, swallowing, and breathing. It also plays a crucial role in helping a patient with speech development. Palatoplasty can also improve facial structure and appearance. Most importantly, it protects the nasal cavity from food particles and fluids that can cause choking.
Dental Blog - Annapolis, MD • Djawdan Center Dr. Kian Djawdan has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Click to read out latest blog posts. Djawdan Center for Implant and Restorative Dentistry, 133 Defense Highway STE 210, Annapolis, MD 21401 - (443) 569-8764 - smileannapolis.com - 11/19/2024 - Page Phrases: Dental Implants Annapolis MD -
The palate is the soft and bony structure that forms the roof of the mouth. It separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity. The palate plays a critical role in preventing food particles and liquids from entering the nasal passages. It also aids in speech, swallowing, and breathing. Some children might develop a cleft palate during fetal development. This congenital condition forms a split in the roof of the mouth, resulting in speech, feeding, and oral problems. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon or specialized dentist can correct a cleft palate through palatoplasty.