Cleft Palate 2 Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the purpose of presurgical taping and orthopedics in cleft lip/palate?
To apply selective external pressure, improving lip/nasal position before surgical repair.
What does the Grayson nasoalveolar molding appliance achieve?
It molds nasal cartilages and maxillary segments into a better configuration pre-repair.
What is the rationale for alveolar cleft grafting?
To achieve continuity between alveolar segments, improving arch stability, dental health, and nasal support.
List 4 advantages of alveolar cleft grafting.
- Stabilizes the arch and prevents collapse.
- Preserves dental health (supports eruption of canines/lateral incisors).
- Restores maxillary continuity, improving nasal support/aesthetics.
- Reduces palatal/nasolabial fistulae post-palatoplasty.
How is primary grafting defined? (3 definitions)
- Grafting during lip repair.
- Grafting before age 2.
- Grafting before palate repair.
What are the categories of secondary grafting by age?
- 2–5 yrs: Early secondary.
- 6–12 yrs: Mixed dentition (after central incisor eruption, before canine eruption).
- >12 yrs: Late secondary.
Why is early secondary grafting (2–5 yrs) not supported?
The literature shows no clear benefits, and it may interfere with growth.
Why is grafting during mixed dentition (6–12 yrs) preferred? (5 reasons)
- Minimal growth disruption (maxillary growth slows by 6–7 yrs).
- Better patient cooperation for orthodontics/anesthesia.
- Adequate donor bone volume.
- Bone improves as teeth erupt into the graft.
- Protects permanent teeth eruption near the cleft.
What is the ideal timing for grafting in mixed dentition?
After central incisor eruption but before canine eruption (typically 6–8 yrs for early mixed dentition, 9–12 yrs for late).
How does grafting benefit dental eruption? (Example from radiograph)
Grafting at age 7 facilitated eruption of a lateral incisor near the cleft (shown in occlusal radiograph).
