Many children born with a cleft lip or palate will have significant dental issues. If this is the case with your child, The Dental Anesthesia Center can help.
They may have missing teeth, especially in the line of the cleft. They may also have misshapen or malformed or extra teeth. As a result, their teeth may be tilted, rotated, or crowded.
A child with a cleft lip or palate needs a team of doctors to care for their needs. They’ll likely need an oral surgeon, a pediatric dentist, and an orthodontist for their dental care. If this is the case with your child, The Dental Anesthesia Center can help. We provide dental care for children and adults with special needs.
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Behl and her entire team during my wisdom tooth extraction. I chose IV sedation, and it made all the difference. I was awake and aware throughout the procedure, but I felt completely relaxed and never experienced the panic or anxiety I usually have at the dentist.
Dr. Behl and her staff were compassionate, professional, and attentive from start to finish, making sure I was comfortable every step of the way. If you have dental anxiety or avoid going to the dentist because of fear, I highly recommend Dr. Behl and her team. They provided exceptional care and made what I expected to be a stressful experience surprisingly calm and comfortable.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re honored by your recommendation and are so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
All of the staff have been extremely incredible. Dr. Thoms was amazing & really helped calm me before my procedure. Dr. Thoms answered any & all questions I have had & was extremely understanding when it comes to having dental anxiety. Robyn was the best X-ray technician I have ever had. She felt personable but still extremely professional. Throughout my life I have been to numerous dentists in hopes of finding one that will take my extreme dental anxiety seriously & not make me feel bad for it. I have finally found my favorite dentist. The Dental Anesthesia Center is my #1 pick if I had to chose any dentist.
Response from the owner:Thanks for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re grateful for your trust in our team and are pleased to hear you felt supported and comfortable throughout your visit. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Hands down the best dental office in the area! They have always taken care of me and been very accommodating. The Doctors are the BEST!!! I would HIGHLY recommend this office if you are looking for a dentist! 5+ stars all around.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation! We’re grateful for your kind words and are thrilled to hear that our team has provided a positive experience. We appreciate your support and look forward to serving our community with exceptional care.
I started seeing this practice as a scared middle age woman that thought she was quickly on the way to being toothless. Years later now, still working with the amazing Dr Behl and her amazing staff, I have been able to continue with my present teeth. Alway kind, full of grace, mercy and humor!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re honored to be part of your dental journey and appreciate your kind words about Dr. Behl and our team.
We have been taking our son to Dental Anesthesia since 2019. He gets his dental treatment and blood work done at the same time. We find the staff and Dr. Thoms highly professional. They communicate well and provide excellent treatment/services. Getting blood work done during sedation helps us a lot.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re honored to be part of your family’s care. We appreciate your trust in us.
What Is a Cleft Lip and Palate?
A cleft lip and palate are congenital abnormalities that form while a baby develops in the uterus. They occur when the tissues of the upper lip and roof of the mouth don’t join together correctly while the baby is developing in the womb. Surgery is required to repair a cleft lip and palate.
Cleft Lip:
During weeks four and seven of pregnancy, a baby’s lips form. Tissues from each side of the head join together at the center of the face to create our lips and mouth. A cleft lip develops when the tissues don’t join together properly. As a result, a gap forms between the two sides of the upper lip. A cleft ranges in size from a slight indentation to a large gap that opens to the nose. This separation can also include the roof of the mouth (the palate.)
Cleft Palate:
During weeks six and nine of pregnancy, the roof of the mouth, or palate, forms. A cleft palate is a split in the roof of the mouth. It can include the boney front part of the roof of the mouth or the soft palate, which is the delicate back part of the roof of the mouth.
Because the lips and mouth develop separately, it’s possible to have a:
Cleft palate without a cleft lip
Cleft lip without a cleft palate
Both a cleft lip and palate – this is the most frequent
Does a Cleft Lip or Palate Affect the Teeth?
Yes, children born with a cleft lip or palate are prone to dental issues such as cavities and missing and malformed teeth. The teeth may not erupt correctly or be in the wrong positions, misshapen, or missing altogether. Consistent exposure to the air can cause dry mouth, allowing bacteria to flourish. Oral surgery, orthodontic and dentistry care are all necessary.
How Can You Help Your Child Maintain Good Oral Hygiene?
It’s essential to begin good oral healthcare habits very young. This is true for everyone, so it’s necessary for those with special needs. Visiting the dentist for regular checkups is also essential. For a child with a cleft palate, we recommend bringing them in well before their first birthday. Your dentist can advise how to best care for your child’s specific needs.
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.
