Primary (early) alveolar bone grafting

Early primary bone grafting is successful when performed as a separate operative procedure after lip repair and before palate closure. It must be done in conjunction with neonatal orthopedics. The graft is placed only after the alveolar segments have molded and grown to a butt joint. Minimal soft-tissue dissection of the alveolus and maxilla are performed. The graft stabilizes arch form, allows for tooth migration and eruption through its site, and decreases anterior and posterior crossbite. There is no facial growth attenuation, and a good foundation for further soft-tissue growth is provided.