Secondary procedures are often necessary due to the effects of growth, attainment of maturity or persistent residual deformities. An anesthesiologist knowledgeable and experienced in pediatric anesthesia must be present for all surgical procedures. Dental Care Patients with craniofacial anomalies require dental services as a direct result of the medical condition, and dental treatment is an integral part of the habilitative process. Provision of dental services for these patients includes not only primary care but routine maintenance throughout life. The necessary procedures focus on monitoring craniofacial growth and dental development, on maintaining a healthy dentition and periodontium, and on correcting jaw relationships and dental occlusion when necessary in order to achieve optimal function and appearance.
Dental care begins once the primary dentition erupts and continues into adolescence.
A comprehensive clinical genetic evaluation is a key component in the management of patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies and should include diagnosis, recurrence risk counseling, and counseling regarding prognosis. Complex syndromes involving craniofacial anomalies may not fully express clinical manifestations that can be recognized in the first year of life. Thus, genetic screening and follow-up evaluations will be necessary for some patients until puberty. Patients who are first seen by the team at later ages should also be evaluated. Assessments of feeding, interventional teaching, and follow-up of nutritional and growth assessments are examples of the nursing services provided.