Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate
Treatment Allows Your Child To Achieve Full Functionality of the Lip and Palate
A cleft lip or cleft palate is a common birth defect in which the two sides of the lip or roof of the mouth do not fuse together during fetal development. A child may be born with a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both. Infants born with a cleft may have difficulty feeding and maintaining suction, and leaving this condition untreated can severely impact the child’s ability to eat and speak properly.
Dr. Karas and Dr. Williams hold both dental and medical degrees and performs the delicate surgery needed to correct this birth defect in infants. Depending on the severity, care may involve an oral surgeon, a pediatrician, and a speech pathologist. With proper treatment, your child will achieve full oral function and a pleasing appearance.
Leaving Orofacial Clefts Untreated
Children with a cleft lip or palate will have a more difficult journey learning how to eat from breastfeeding or bottles. Their speech will be affected by the improper development of oral structures, which could negatively impact their willingness and ability to communicate during early childhood. By having your child’s orofacial cleft treated by a trusted professional, you can avoid the following complications:
- Higher risk of ear infections
- Hearing loss caused by untreated ear infections
- Difficulty swallowing
- A nasal-sounding voice accompanying speech difficulties
- Higher risk of cavities
- Higher risk of extra or malformed teeth
With treatment, most children with clefts do well and lead healthy lives. Special bottles can help children with clefts achieve adequate nutrition, but surgery is eventually necessary to restore full function and prevent other complications.
Treatment for Cleft Lips and Cleft Palates in Walnut Creek, CA
During the consultation, Dr. Karas, Dr. Williams, and their team will evaluate your child's oral health and take 3D scans to get a more detailed look at the facial structures. Then, he will design a treatment plan that is unique to your child’s needs. Dr. Karas, Dr. Williams, and their surgical team offer many anesthesia options to keep your child as comfortable as possible during any type of surgical procedure.
A cleft lip requires 1–2 surgeries, the first performed before the infant is 3 months old. Your surgeon will close the separation to restore muscle function to the upper lip. An additional procedure may be required later on to improve the appearance and function of the nasal passages. Traces of the cleft typically vanish completely during the teenage years once facial growth has finished.
A cleft palate requires multiple surgeries over the course of 18 years, the first performed between 6–12 months. Your oral surgeon will close the gap in the roof of the mouth and reconnect the muscles. A bone or soft tissue graft is usually required to close the communication.
Orthodontic treatment may be necessary to ensure the adult teeth align and develop correctly once the child enters puberty. Dr. Karas or Dr. Williams will outline the specific details of your child’s treatment so you know exactly what to expect.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate and other procedures.
Dr. Cynthia Stephenson
Walnut Creek
"I really respect and appreciate the fact that Dr. Karas is an MD. He's up-to-date with all the latest techniques, and he's really committed to what he does, and he really is committed to being the best he can be, and it shows in his care. I will continue to refer my patients to Dr. Karas."
"When I first walked into the practice, I felt refreshed. It's a very new and modern environment and everybody was really welcoming at the front desk. Dr. Karas for me from the moment I met him just made me feel like family. Very warm, very professional."
"When I first met Dr. Karas, I was impressed by his knowledge and the fact that he had seen every scenario when it had came to wisdom teeth. I felt very welcomed and like I was in good hands, that he knew he was doing, and he clearly answered all my questions. "
"When I first met Dr. Karas, I was very impressed. He was friendly. He was direct, explained everything that he was going to do before he did it."
"Dr. Karas' staff has always been very professional, very helpful, very welcoming. Dr. Karas is a very open and very friendly doctor. He has been very thorough in his explanations of what he's doing."
"When I first walked into the practice, it was check you in, sit down, and in a few minutes, you're seeing the doctor. Dr. Karas exudes confidence and makes you feel comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Recovery was quick. I, at this point, couldn't even tell you which teeth are implants and which ones aren't implants."
"When I came in here—meeting with the staff and everybody in the office, I knew I had made the right choice. Dr. Karas always gives the explanation that gives confidence to me in what the result will be."
"Dr. Karas, he's an amazing individual, professional, but most of all, a caring person. My procedure, it went well."
" When I first walked into this practice, I felt that I was the most important person in that moment, and that was important to me. Dr. Karas has a way of relating to his patients. I felt comfortable with him in terms of his professionalism and care. The staff explained everything to me and made me feel at ease."
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