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Rosemarie Marquez, DMD, PA
6700 Crosswinds Dr. N. Suite 100C St. Petersburg, FL 33710
(727) 345-1774
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My Blog

Posts for tag: cleft palate

Cleft Defects Can Be Overcome, Thanks to Advanced Surgical Procedures

By Rosemarie Marquez DMD, PA
November 30, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: cleft lip   cleft palate   oral surgery  
CleftDefectsCanBeOvercomeThankstoAdvancedSurgicalProcedures

One in 700 babies are born each year with a cleft lip, a cleft palate or both. Besides its devastating emotional and social impact, this common birth defect can also jeopardize a child's long-term health. Fortunately, incredible progress has occurred in the last half century repairing cleft defects. Today's children with these birth defects often enter adulthood with a normal appearance and better overall health.

A cleft is a gap in the mouth or face that typically forms during early pregnancy. It often affects the upper lip, the soft and hard palates, the nose or (rarely) the cheek and eye areas. Clefts can form in one or more structures, on one side of the face or on both. Why they form isn't fully understood, but they seem connected to a mother's vitamin deficiencies or to mother-fetus exposure to toxic substances or infections.

Before the 1950s there was little that could be done to repair clefts. That changed with a monumental discovery by Dr. Ralph Millard, a U.S. Navy surgeon stationed in Korea: Reviewing cleft photos, Dr. Millard realized the “missing” tissue wasn't missing—only misplaced. He developed the first technique to utilize this misplaced tissue to repair the cleft.

Today, skilled surgical teams have improved on Dr. Millard's efforts to not only repair the clefts but also restore balance and symmetry to the face. These teams are composed of various oral and dental specialties, including general dentists who care for the patient's teeth and prevent disease during the long repair process.

Cleft repairs are usually done in stages, beginning with initial lip repair around 3-6 months of age and, if necessary, palate repair around 6-12 months. Depending on the nature and degree of the cleft, subsequent surgeries might be needed throughout childhood to “polish” the original repairs, as well as cosmetic dental work like implants, crowns or bridgework.

In addition to the surgical team's skill and artistry, cleft repair also requires courage, strength and perseverance from patients and their parents, and support from extended family and friends. The end result, though, can be truly amazing and well worth the challenging road to get there.

If you would like more information on repairing cleft birth defects, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate.”

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Lip or Palate Clefts can be Effectively Repaired

By Rosemarie Marquez DMD, PA
August 07, 2018
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: cleft lip   cleft palate  
LiporPalateCleftscanbeEffectivelyRepaired

About one American baby in 700 is born with some form of lip or palate cleft—and the percentage is even higher in other parts of the world. At one time this kind of birth defect sentenced a child to a lifetime of social stigma and related health issues. But thanks to a surgical breakthrough over sixty years ago, cleft defects are now routinely treated and repaired.

Oral and facial clefts happen because a child’s facial structure fails to develop normally during pregnancy. This causes gaps or “clefts” to occur in various parts of the mouth or face like the upper lip, the palate (roof of the mouth), the nose or (more rarely) in the cheek or eye region. Clefts can have no tissue fusion at all (a “complete” cleft) or a limited amount (an “incomplete” cleft), and can affect only one side of the face (“unilateral”) or both (“bilateral”).

There was little that could be done up until the early 1950s. That’s when a U.S. Navy surgeon, Dr. Ralph Millard, stationed in Korea noticed after reviewing a series of cleft photos that tissue needed to repair a cleft was most often already present but distorted by the defect. From that discovery, he developed techniques that have since been refined in the ensuing decades to release the distorted tissue and move it to its proper location.

This revolutionary breakthrough has evolved into a multi-stage approach for cleft repair that often requires a team effort from several dental and medical professionals, including oral surgeons, orthodontists and general dentists. The approach may involve successive surgeries over several years with dental care front and center to minimize the threat of decay, maintain proper occlusion (the interaction between the upper and lower teeth, or “bite”), or restore missing teeth with  crowns, bridgework or eventually dental implants.

While it’s quite possible this process can span a person’s entire childhood and adolescence, the end result is well worth it. Because of these important surgical advances, a cleft defect is no longer a life sentence of misery.

If you would like more information on treatment for a cleft lip or palate, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate.”

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Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (1)
        • Viggo Mortensen's Red-Carpet Smile
      • November (3)
        • Cleft Defects Can Be Overcome, Thanks to Advanced Surgical Procedures
        • Keep Oral Care in Focus for a Family Member With Special Needs
        • Seek Coordinated Treatment If You Have Both TMD and Fibromyalgia
      • October (5)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Should I Consider Dental Implants?
        • Here's What to Expect Before, During and After Implant Surgery
        • These Popular Drinks Could Put Your Enamel in Danger of Erosion
        • If Appropriate, Antibiotics before Implant Surgery Could Reduce Infection Risk
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        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
        • Be on the Alert for White Spots on Teeth While Wearing Braces
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        • Despite Some Online Sources, Root Canals Don't Cause Disease
        • Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
        • You Need a Dentist to Remove Tartar From Your Teeth
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        • Sedation can Make Dental Treatment Easier for High Anxiety Patients
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
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        • Root Canals are a Safe Way to Save Teeth
        • 3 Ways to Help Your Child Relax at the Dentist
        • How Teeth Whitening Can Help Your Smile
        • Getting a New 'Tooth in a Day' Will Depend on Your Bone Health
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        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • Preserving the Pulp is Priority One with a Newly Erupted Permanent Tooth
        • Affordable Veneers Can Give You a New Smile
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        • Your Sinus Infection Might be a Sign of a Tooth Problem
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • To Detect Oral Cancer Early, See Your Dentist
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        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
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        • Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
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        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
        • Moderate Fluoride Use Packs the Biggest Punch for Decay Prevention
        • Dental Implants Better than Ever thanks to Ongoing Tech Advances
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • 3 Things You Might Notice with Your Child's Teeth That Need a Dentist
      • November (4)
        • Is Invisalign Right for You?
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
        • Lasers Could be the Future for Gum Disease Treatment
        • Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
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        • Five Tips for Top-Notch Tooth Brushing
        • Stop Root Cavities with Prevention and Prompt Treatment
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        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
        • Look After Your Teeth During Cancer Treatment to Avoid Dental Disease
        • It's National Gum Care Month - Take Care of Your Gums
      • August (4)
        • Correcting a Poor Bite Improves Dental Health as Well as Smile Appearance
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • Lip or Palate Clefts can be Effectively Repaired
        • Why You Should Consider Dental Implants
      • July (3)
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
        • Watch Out for Signs of Gum Recession
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
      • June (3)
        • Saving a Diseased Primary Tooth Could Mean Better Oral Health Later in Life
        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • Artificial Sweeteners Could Help You Reduce the Risk of Dental Disease
      • May (4)
        • Steely Dan Founder's Death Highlights Importance of Early Cancer Detection
        • Sealants Could Protect Your Child's Teeth From Future Problems
        • Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
        • What to Do For Mouth Injuries Your Child Might Encounter
      • April (4)
        • Crown Lengthening Helps us Treat Hard to Reach Cavities
        • Actor David Ramsey Says: Don't Forget to Floss!
        • Your Child Isn't in Danger from X-Rays Thanks to the ALARA Principle
        • Root Canal Treatment Alleviates Pain and Saves Your Tooth
      • March (2)
        • Bone Loss: the Hidden Consequence of Your Missing Teeth
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
      • February (2)
        • Tooth Contouring & Reshaping
        • Answering Your Questions about Your Upcoming Teeth Whitening
      • January (3)
        • An Infected or Injured Primary Tooth Can Be Saved - but it's Complicated
        • 3 Reasons Why Smoking Doesn't Mix with Dental Implants
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
  • 2017
      • December (2)
        • A Topical Fluoride Treatment Could Protect Your Child from Tooth Decay
        • Understanding the Aging Process Leads to More Effective Orthodontics
      • November (3)
        • What to Do About Your Child's Toothache Before Seeing the Dentist
        • Make Your Smile Sparkle
        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
      • October (2)
        • Cosmetic Gum Surgery Can Help Restore Lost Tissues Around Teeth
        • Take Charge of Stress Management to Reduce Teeth Grinding Habits
      • September (3)
        • Oral Health Concerns for Preteens
        • Sofia Vergara: 'Obsessed' With Oral Hygiene
        • Risk Factors for Gum Disease
      • August (3)
        • New Cavity Detection Technology
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
        • The 3 Top Causes for Tooth Sensitivity
      • July (3)
        • Dental Implants Can Make Your Smile Whole Again
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
      • June (2)
        • Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
        • If at All Possible, Primary Teeth are Worth Saving
      • May (3)
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • No- or Minimal-Prep Veneers Reduce Permanent Alterations to Your Teeth
        • Improve Your Smile
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        • Chrissy Teigen's Teeth-Grinding Troubles
        • Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
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        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Don't let Limited Finances Keep you From Needed Dental Care
        • Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
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        • That Painful, Irritating Feeling Could be Burning Mouth Syndrome
        • Don't Ignore These Signs of Gum Disease
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • January (2)
        • The Right Treatment for Your Child's Injured Tooth Increases its Survival
        • Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
  • 2016
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        • Actor David Ramsey Discusses Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
      • November (4)
        • Don't Let the Acid in Sports and Energy Drinks Ruin Your Tooth Enamel
        • Keep Your Invisalign Aligners Looking Their Best!
        • Don't Let Dental Stains Rule Your Smile
        • Spice Up Your Teeth
      • October (2)
        • Cleft Repair can Restore a Smile, Change a Life
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
      • September (2)
        • Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking by Age 4
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
      • August (4)
        • Your Options for Restoring a Chipped Tooth
        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
        • Keep Watch for Bite Problems with your Child's Teeth
        • Straighten Your Smile Discreetly With Invisalign
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        • 4 Problem Areas That Could Affect Your Child's Teeth
      • June (3)
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        • Antibiotic Resistance Requires Action - and a Change of Attitude
        • What Happens When You Don't Floss Regularly?
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        • There's a Good Reason for Adults to Consider Orthodontics - Better Oral Health
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        • Chewing Tobacco is Just as Addictive and Dangerous as Smoking
      • March (3)
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • Office Fluoride Treatments Can Add Extra Protection to Your Child's Teeth
        • Dr. Travis Stork: Don't Ignore Bleeding Gums
      • February (3)
        • Mouthguards Reduce Risk of Concussion as well as Dental Injuries
        • How Do Dental Implants Work?
        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
      • January (2)
        • Dentistry is Changing to Meet Dental Care's Emerging Challenges
        • Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
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      • December (3)
        • Test Your Knowledge: A Quiz on Dental Erosion
        • Giancarlo Stanton Gets Major-League Mouth Protection
        • Treating TMD Like Other Joint-Related Problems
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        • Is Teeth Whitening right for me?
        • Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
        • Regenerating Lost Bone Can Make Dental Implants a Reality
      • October (2)
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        • 3 Questions to Answer Before Your Smile Makeover
      • September (2)
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        • Use Partial Dentures Wisely to Protect Your Future Oral Health
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        • Weighing the Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening
        • How to Handle a Loose Dental Veneer?
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        • Oral Piercings — Tongue & Lip Bolts: Trendy But Dangerous
        • TV Designer Nate Berkus Is Thankful for Childhood Preventive Dental Treatments
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