Correction of Congenital Palate Defects

Surgical Techniques to Repair Cleft Palates

Surgical Correction of Clefts

Surgical correction of congenital palate defects such as clefts can be divided into two areas: Primary and Secondary clefts. These are dependent on their localization or position either towards the front of the mouth or more towards the back. In either case, the affected maxillary bone which is the basis of the roof of the mouth has not fused typically along the midline of the face during the embryological development of the skull. 

In primary clefts, the premaxillary or incisal bone is affected. This often causes the characteristic hairlip which is a split in the lip structure secondary to a lack of fusion of the two halves of the face. Not only is the soft tissue affected but in addition the underlying bone support is lacking.  The reconstructive surgery of these defects involve plastic skin and oral mucosal flap procedures to close these lesions

Secondary clefts occur behind the incisal papilla ( the normal swelling on the roof of the mouth) towards the front and can extend through and including the soft palate towards the back of the mouth. In their repair it is often necessary to elevate and move the soft tissue over the hard palate. This can occur on both sides of the cleft moving these flaps towards the midline and then subsequently suturing them together.

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Our doctors are Board Certified Veterinary Dentists™

The board-certified veterinary dentists at Animal Dental Center have the extensive knowledge, expertise, and specialized equipment to determine the extent and severity of your pet’s oral disease and to provide appropriate treatment. You will have peace of mind knowing your pet is receiving a professional dental cleaning, diagnosis through radiographs and treatment of periodontal disease and other oral pathology. This treatment, usually combined with at-home daily oral homecare will also help to prevent future oral disease.
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