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Alveolar Bone Graft (ABG) for Children born with Cleft Lip and Palate

Alveolar Bone Graft (ABG) for Children born with Cleft Lip and Palate - What it is

Some children born with a cleft lip and palate may have a gap in the gum. This gap is called an alveolar gap and may extend from near the teeth all the way up to the nose. During an ABG, a Plastic Surgeon will fill the alveolar cleft with spongy bone from the hip. The gum is carefully stitched over the bone graft to let it heal.

  • The alveolus is the bone under the gums that holds the teeth. The alveolus is made of alveolar bone.
  • Bone Graft is bone taken from one part of the body to another.

Alveolar Bone Graft (ABG) for Children born with Cleft Lip and Palate - Symptoms

Alveolar Bone Graft (ABG) for Children born with Cleft Lip and Palate - How to prevent?

Alveolar Bone Graft (ABG) for Children born with Cleft Lip and Palate - Causes and Risk Factors

Alveolar Bone Graft (ABG) for Children born with Cleft Lip and Palate - Diagnosis

Why might an ABG be required?

One of the functions of the alveolus and gum is to hold teeth in the right place. If there is a gap in the alveolus, the teeth may grow in the wrong position which may be more difficult to treat when older.

The ABG will provide:

  • Bone support for teeth to develop and grow
  • Continuity and better appearance of the gum
  • Better support for the base of the nose
  • Closure of any fistulas (abnormal connections) between the mouth and nose

Alveolar Bone Graft (ABG) for Children born with Cleft Lip and Palate - Treatments

When will the ABG be done?

The best time for the ABG will be decided by a Plastic Surgeon and an Orthodontist (a Dentist who corrects the position of a person’s teeth and jaw).

  • When the adult canine is ¾ developed
  • Usually between nine and 14 years of age

Alveolar Bone Graft (ABG) for Children born with Cleft Lip and Palate - Preparing for surgery

For more information on the preparation for an ABG, what happens during an ABG, and what some side effects may be, download our ABG information booklet – Caring for my Alveolar Bone Graft (English / Chinese)

Alveolar Bone Graft (ABG) for Children born with Cleft Lip and Palate - Post-surgery care

For more information on post-surgery care, download our ABG information booklet - Caring for my Alveolar Bone Graft (English / Chinese)

These include:

  • Post-surgery precautions to note
  • How to keep wounds clean
  • Medication to be taken

Post-Surgery Diet

After the ABG, wounds in the mouth may make it difficult to eat. A balanced, soft diet is recommended for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery to minimise chewing and ensure adequate nutrition so the wound can heal well.

For more information on post-surgery diet, download our ABG information booklet - Caring for my Alveolar Bone Graft (English / Chinese)

These include:

  • Soft diet guidelines
  • Soft diet food list categorised by food groups for nutritious, balanced soft diet meals
  • Sample meal plans
  • Tips for safe eating and drinking

The video below shows how to prepare a balanced, soft diet meal after an ABG.

 

You may also download Sample Recipes of dishes featured in the video.

Alveolar Bone Graft (ABG) for Children born with Cleft Lip and Palate - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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