Evaluation of an Alveolar Bone Graft for Cleft Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of alveolar bone grafting in patients with various types of cleft lip and to compare the success rates according to the lateral incisors and canines.METHODS: The postoperative radiographs of 20 patient with a cleft lip and alveolar process alone (CLAP), complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) were retrospectively analyzed. The alveolar bone height was classified according to Abyholm (1981) and Bergland (1986) and we evaluated the dentition at the time of surgery and the existence of a lateral incisor and impacted canines.RESULTS: 16 (80%) of the 20 patients were assigned to Type I & II and they were considered successful. In the UCLP group, the success rate was significantly better than that of the UCLP and BCLP groups. The success rate was significantly better than when the cleft was grafted with the existence of a lateral incisor and before the eruption of the canines.CONCLUSION: The severity of the deformity influenced the success rate. The timing of the operation was a critical variable that affected the outcome in patients with cleft lip and palate.