What Is Alveolar Bone Grafting for Cleft Patients?
A critical step in cleft treatment happens in childhood. Here is what alveolar bone grafting involves.
Alveolar bone grafting is a surgical procedure that fills the gap in the gum (alveolar ridge) where the cleft occurred. It is typically performed between ages 6β10.
- Why it is needed:
- The cleft extends through the gum into the area where permanent teeth will grow
- Without a graft, teeth may not erupt properly
- The graft provides bone for permanent teeth to grow into
- It stabilizes the upper jaw
- It closes the gap between the mouth and nose (oronasal fistula)
- When it is done:
- Typically ages 6β10 (often around 8β9)
- Early enough for permanent teeth to use the new bone
- Late enough that the child can cooperate with recovery
- The timing depends on tooth development and eruption
- How it is performed:
- Bone is taken from the iliac crest (hip) β the most common donor site
- The surgeon creates a pocket in the gum at the cleft site
- The bone graft is placed into the gap
- The gum is closed over the graft
- The graft heals and becomes part of the child's own jaw
- Recovery:
- Hospital stay: 1β2 nights
- Pain at both the jaw and hip sites
- Soft food diet for 1β2 weeks
- Limited activity for 4β6 weeks
- No contact sports for 6 weeks
Clinical Guidance
Alveolar bone grafting fills the gum gap caused by a cleft, providing bone for permanent teeth and closing the connection between the mouth and nose. It is typically performed between ages 6β10 using bone from the hip.