Cleft Lip and Palate
Following these instructions and the instructions the nurses have given to you will result in fewer complications and make your recovery period easier. Failure to follow these instructions could result in unnecessary pain, delay in healing or complications which could negatively affect the outcome of your treatment.
When a bone graft is placed, a period of 6-to 8-weeks is usually required for initial bone healing.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR HOME
- Syringe (will be given to you) for rinsing.
- Saline (to make your own: dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in an 8 ounce glass of warm water).
- Child size toothbrush
- Vaseline or lip balm
- Blender or food processor (optional)
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Following these instructions and the instructions the nurses have given to you will result in fewer complications and make your recovery period easier. Failure to follow these instructions could result in unnecessary pain, delay in healing or complications which could negatively affect the outcome of your treatment.
Cleft Alveolar Bone Grafting Post-Operative Care Instructions:
MEDICATION/PRESCRIPTION
Your child will have prescriptions for discomfort and to help prevent infection. These are usually given prior to surgery at your preoperative office visit. They will include:
- An antibiotic-
- Please take this as directed on the packaging. This medication should be taken for the full duration, as prescribed.
- this can be diluted 50:50 with tap water.
- use Monojet curved syringe (provided) to clean the mouth cleft site after every meal and when brushing the teeth morning and night.
- This can be started upon arriving home and should be continued for at least 6 weeks after surgery.
- These include liquid Tylenol and Advil and can be picked up without a prescription from your pharmacy. Please discuss with the Pharmacist or look at the packaging to decide what dose should be given based on your child’s weight.
- These should be taken in an alternating fashion, every 3 hours:
- Eg: Tylenol →3 hours later Advil →3 hours later Tylenol
CARE OF THE OPERATIVE AREA
Care of the hip wound:
- A block of bone was taken from the right hip site. Upon leaving the hospital there will be a dressing covering the wound.
- The dressing must remain clean and dry for the first 2 weeks after surgery:
- When showering, clear plastic wrap (Saran wrap) should be used to wrap around the body 2-3 times to keep the bandage dry.
- Bathing or submersing the wound completely in water should be avoided.
Care of the mouth:
- Keeping the teeth and wound clean is important for the survival of the bone graft and in speeding healing.
- Brush all teeth with normal toothpaste upon returning home from the hospital. This will require assistance from parents to ensure teeth are adequately cleaned and the graft site isn’t disturbed. Brush ideally 3 times daily.
- Using the curved syringe (Monojet) provided- clean the mouth wounds gently with a diluted Listerine Zero solution (50:50 water and Listerine). Anywhere you see stitches is where you should clean. This should be done after every meal and when brushing the teeth at morning and night.
Activity:
- No running or jumping for 6 weeks after surgery. Sports should be avoided for 6 weeks, unless otherwise directed by your surgeon.
Diet:
- A non-chew diet is important to keep the bone graft safe.
- A strict liquid diet should be followed for the first 3 weeks after surgery. This includes water, juices, sports drinks (eg: Gatorade), protein shakes, and yogurt drinks (eg: Yop) as well as broth-based soups. Nothing thicker than yogurt should be eaten for the first 3 weeks.
- At your 3-week follow-up, your surgeon may change your diet, depending on the health of your bone graft. You can expect a modified (non-chew diet) in most cases for 6 weeks.
Since you had surgery on your cleft lip and/or palate, you will require a non-chew, blenderized diet. It is essential that your body receive adequate fluids and nourishment in order to maintain your nutritional status and promote healing.
You can use a syringe for feeding or a spoon. Do not use a straw for eating or drinking as it may irritate the surgery site through contact or negative pressure. A nutritious dietary intake is important in promoting healing and decreasing the possibility of infection. Following the 3-week liquid diet you can proceed to a soft diet (eggs, potatoes, fish, pasta, etc.).
If you had a bilateral cleft bone graft, do not chew with the front teeth for a period of 6 weeks.
FOLLOW-UP WITH YOUR DOCTOR
A follow-up appointment should be arranged with your surgeon’s office prior to discharge. If an appointment has not been made, please call the Kingsway Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery office during regular business hours to arrange a follow-up appointment.
If you have any questions or problems, do not hesitate to call our office at Edmonton Office Phone Number 780-454-6565 or 1-800-379-9474. After hours, if your call is not answered by the answering service, hang up and call again in five minutes. We apologize for this inconvenience as the lines may be occupied by other callers. There is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon on-call ALL HOURS OF THE DAY.
WE PREFER THAT YOU CALL OUR OFFICE FIRST RATHER THAN YOUR OWN DENTIST OR FAMILY DOCTOR. However, if you are experiencing severe bleeding or breathing problems requiring IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, please proceed to the nearest Emergency Department or Dial 911.