TREATMENT OF DEFECT, PATHOLOGIES AND SPACE INFECTIONS OF FACE
CLEFT LIP AND PALATE
Both are malformations of face, that are seen as birth defects.
If there is inadequate tissue in area of lips or roof of mouth, an opening develops between that’s knows as cleft. Commonly occur due to factors during pregnancy like smoking, diabetic levels, adverse effect to some medications taken etc.
Problems associated
Difficulty in feeding, with liquids coming out from the nose and difficulty in swallowing foods
Difficulty in proper speech
Repeated ear infections
Higher chances of dental cavities and malformed teeth
Management
Such a complex problem requires interdisciplinary management involving oral surgeon, orthodontist, speech therapist, pediatric specialist, plastic surgeon. Earlier the treatment starts, better the result. Often it requires additional line of surgeries until adolescent age to repair the defect and restore function.
Cleft lip repair can be done as early as 3 months old to repair the defect in lips and reshape. Cleft palate repair is usually done between 6-12 months old to close the gap in roof of mouth. Additionally surgeries like rhinoplasty, closing cleft with bone grafts, jaw surgeries may be required as the patient grows.
JAW CYSTS AND TUMORS
Basically, these are growths seen in jawbones or involving soft tissues of the mouth. Cysts are sacks containing fluid while tumors are solid masses and they need not be cancerous.
They can develop due to infections in teeth, around unerupted impacted teeth or from cells that form teeth (odontogenic cyst).
Problems associated
Swelling
Jaw pain or numbness
Loosening or shifting of teeth
Difficulty in closing mouth
Management
Many treatment options exist such as surgical removal, tooth extraction, jaw reconstruction and many more. Every case needs to be assessed to see which treatment is most suitable for that case.
ORAL CANCER
They are uncontrolled, malignant growth that can have serious, even life-threatening consequences. They can be seen on tongue, lips, cheeks, palate, floor of mouth, pharynx and sometimes gums. Increased risk for oral cancer is seen in smokers, chronic alcoholics, other forms of tobacco users, exposure to HPV, those with family history.
Problems associated
Swelling seen as lumps
A variety of red and white lesions seen in the mouth
Non healing ulcers which are very painful and bleed easily
Management
Oral cancers also involve intricate management, with concomitant involvement of many specialists. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the main treatment options.
