TOOTH ALVEOLAR BONE GRAFT SURGERY FOR CLEFT PATIENTS

This article is expertly advised by Associate Professor, Dr. Lam Hoai Phuong, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery. Ho Chi Minh City, Vice President of Vietnam Dental and Maxillofacial Association, former Head of Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Lecturer of Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Director of the American Dental and Maxillofacial Hospital. Thien.
Cleft lip and palate deformity is a common birth defect, affecting the child's aesthetic, eating and pronunciation functions. In Vietnam, in the past, treatment of cleft lip and palate was often limited to surgical reconstruction of the cleft using software tissue. Therefore, after surgery, the child still has a gap in the dental arch and upper jaw bone, causing the facial structure to be incomplete. To overcome this remaining defect, bone graft surgery is a very necessary step, playing an important role in the comprehensive treatment process of children with cleft lip and palate.
Alveolar bone grafting surgery is an advanced maxillofacial technique that plays an important role in the treatment of cleft lip and palate deformities, helping children have a complete smile and improve their quality of life.
1. What is alveolar bone graft surgery

A technique that uses graft material (autologous bone or artificial bone) to regenerate missing alveolar bone due to malformation. Bone graft will ensure the continuity of the upper jaw bone. Creates a solid foundation for the facial structure and upper jaw bone, helping patients restore lost teeth and reshape the jaw area to be more aesthetically harmonious.
2. Benefits of alveolar bone graft surgery

Many parents wonder if it is necessary for their child to have bone graft surgery because the cleft lip and palate repair surgery has shown very positive results. However, in reality, those surgeries only meet the requirement of closing the gap with soft tissues, the child still has a gap in the dental arch and upper jaw bone.
To treat a cleft in the upper jaw, children need bone graft surgery. This surgery offers the following benefits:

• Forming bone tissue necessary for the growth of adult teeth and the stability of adult teeth later.
• Particularly for bilateral maxillary clefts: bone grafting also helps fix the premaxillary process, which is the bone in the center and front of the maxilla.
• Improve aesthetics: Overcome alveolar bone deficiency, strengthen the foundation at the base of the nose wing on the cleft side, helping to improve nose aesthetics. Helps the face become more balanced and harmonious
• Improve eating and pronunciation: Helps children chew better and pronounce more clearly.
• Enhance confidence: A complete smile helps children be more confident in communication and life

3. When is it necessary to perform alveolar bone graft surgery

​According to world research, bone grafting should be performed as soon as children enter the age of teeth replacement, to avoid permanent teeth growing through the gap. According to the comprehensive treatment plan at My Thien Hospital, the recommended age is about 9 - 11 years old. This is the stage of tooth replacement, meaning permanent teeth are gradually replacing children's teeth.

Hình ảnh người bệnh sau phẫu thuật ghép xương ổ răng 3 tháng, hàm trên đã không còn lõm thiếu xương

4. Alveolar bone graft surgery procedure

• General examination and dental X-rays to evaluate teeth eruption and gaps.
• Extracting teeth that grow crookedly into the gap (if any)
• Select bone graft material (mandibular autologous bone, iliac wing bone or use artificial bone) appropriate to the patient's condition.
• Grafting material to the missing alveolar bone.
• Stitches close the gap and monitor the patient's health status.

Illustration of alveolar bone graft surgery

Image of alveolar bone graft surgery in a patient with a unilateral cleft at My Thien

Image of alveolar bone graft surgery in a patient with bilateral cleft at My Thien

5. After surgery care

• Few days after surgery, the patient will still have pain at the site where the bone was removed. Our doctor will provide pain relief measures. Take medicine as prescribed by our doctor. Usually after 1-2 weeks the patient will recover normally.
• Take care of the patient's teeth and mouth, keep your oral cavity and surgery site clean. Use mouthwash as prescribed by our doctor.
• Eat soft, warm, easily digestible foods. Do not eat food that is too hot.

This article is for reference only and is not a substitute for medical advice. For specific advice on alveolar bone graft surgery, please contact the Dental and Maxillofacial Specialists at My Thien Hospital.

With the desire to bring maximum perfection to children, My Thien Hospital is a TRUSTED place to treat cleft lip and palate. At My Thien Hospital, the staff hopes that parents will always have enough necessary and useful knowledge to best care for their babies.

Please connect with My Thien to receive timely advice and treatment from doctors at the right stage and age to minimize the consequences caused by deformities. For more enqueries, please contact us by phone at (028) 6650 5188 or via Hotline 0915 22 66 03.