During fetal development, two sides of the mouth and lips join together in the middle. A cleft lip and/or palate occurs when part of this development fails to occur. A cleft can mean a split in the lip and/or the roof of the mouth. Infants with a cleft palate require special bottles and devices to feed properly. Common issues from a cleft lip and palate include ear infections, hearing problems, and dental issues. The successful treatment of a cleft lip or palate requires a team of medical and dental professionals, such as an oral surgeon, a speech therapist, an ear specialist, and an orthodontist. The correction of a cleft lip and palate often requires multiple procedures as a child develops. Because of their specialized understanding of the facial structure and aesthetics and extensive surgical background, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is often a part of most of these procedures, including pediatric patients.
Demarcus Smith, DDS
Michael G. Ferguson, DDS, MD
Oral Surgery Services
oralsurgeryser...
Oral Surgery Services
4420 Conlin St, Suite 203
Metairie, LA 70006
Oral Surgery Services
250 Ochsner Blvd, Suite 104
Gretna, LA 70056
Services Provided
Dental Implants | Wisdom Teeth Removal | Tooth Replacement Options | Full-Arch Restoration | Bone Grafting | Tooth Extractions | Impacted Tooth Exposure | Oral Pathology Treatment | Platelet-Rich Plasma | Orthognathic Surgery | Pre-Prosthetic Surgery | Facial Trauma Treatment | Sleep Apnea Treatment | Distraction Osteogenesis | TMJ Disorders | Cleft Lip & Palate Treatment | Stem Cell Banking