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ENT DOCTOR BLOG
A cleft palate is a common birth defect that occurs in the first six to nine weeks of pregnancy in which the tissue of the roof of the mouth doesn’t fuse. This results in an opening in the roof of the mouth that over time can lead to other problems such as recurring ear infections, difficulty with feedings, and speech problems. This is why it’s important to work with a qualified ear, nose, and throat doctor who can ensure that your child gets the proper treatment to correct their cleft palate.Detecting a Cleft Palate
During your child’s very first examination after birth, a doctor will be able to easily tell whether your child has a cleft palate through a simple oral exam. From there, your pediatrician may recommend seeing an ENT doctor who can correct the birth defect.
Cleft Palate Treatment
The only way to correct a cleft palate is through a procedure known as a palatoplasty. This usually isn’t performed until the baby is around 10 to 12 months old. A palatoplasty will close the gap in the roof of the mouth to improve feedings and to prevent speech delays. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
The surgery will close up the gap in the palate and repair any of the muscles of the palate, if necessary. Stitches will dissolve on their own and your ENT doctor will provide you with detailed care instructions both before and after surgery. For example, your baby will need to stick with a liquid diet for about a week after surgery and then only eat soft foods for several weeks after.
Even after surgery, your child may require additional surgeries or other specialists and care such as orthodontics or speech therapy. This is something that you can discuss with your ENT doctor. This procedure is designed to not only improve your child’s appearance but also to prevent speech impediments and language delays, as well as breathing, hearing, or feeding problems.
If your baby was born with a cleft lip or palate, an otolaryngologist will be able to provide you with the specialized surgical treatment you need to correct this birth defect. To learn more about this procedure and your child’s treatment options, call your ENT today.
Jaw disorders, such as TMJ, can cause pain and discomfort, as well as other complications. When non-surgical treatment methods are not completely effective in providing relief from the symptoms of TMJ or another jaw disorder, surgery can help. At our office for otolaryngology in Washington, DC our experienced head and neck surgeon and otolaryngologist, Dr. William Bond, Jr., can discuss head and neck surgery options for treating your jaw disorder.
TMJ Disorder
TMJ is a jaw disorder that occurs when the temporomandibular joints on either side of the face become misaligned or irritated in some way. These are the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull. When the joints are aggravated or out of alignment, a person with TMJ disorder can experience extensive pain and discomfort. Some causes of TMJ disorder include chronic stress, a jaw injury, arthritis in the jaw joint, and frequent grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- A locked jaw
- Difficulty chewing
- Tooth sensitivity
- The clicking of the jaw joints
In addition to experiencing pain in the jaw or head, TMJ disorder can cause discomfort in other areas as well. For example, stiffness or pain in the neck and shoulders can also accompany TMJ disorder. For some individuals, the disorder can result in a shooting sensation up the back of the head. Additionally, earaches, ringing, or buzzing not due to an ear infection can also occur in conjunction with TMJ disorder. At our otolaryngology practice in Washington, our skilled head and neck surgeon can recommend a specific approach for treating TMJ or another jaw disorder.
Surgery for TMJ Disorder
When non-surgical methods are not fully effective in treating TMJ disorder, surgery can provide long-lasting relief. Surgery can be performed to repair a dislocated jaw or realign the temporomandibular joints when they are out of place. Surgical treatment can restore normal functioning of the temporomandibular joints and eliminate problems with jaw pain, locked jaw, and clicking of the jaw joints.
There are several types of head and neck surgery that can be beneficial for treating TMJ or other jaw disorders. Types of surgery include arthroscopy, open-joint surgery, and arthrocentesis. Surgery for TMJ or another jaw disorder might be recommended if you cannot fully open or close your mouth, you have difficulty eating or drinking due to jaw problems, non-surgical treatments have not provided adequate relief, you experience extensive pain when opening or closing your mouth, or you have misalignment or other structural problems in the jaw joint.
Head and neck surgery can provide long-lasting relief from the pain and discomfort caused by TMJ and other jaw disorders. To discuss options for treating your jaw problems, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bond, Jr. by calling our otolaryngology practice in Washington, DC, at (202) 726-7770.
If you open your mouth, it’s fairly easy to see your tonsils, as they are the two soft-tissue organs that lie on either side of the back of the throat. These structures are great for being able to stop bacteria from getting into the body, and they even act as the body’s first line of defense against germs. Unfortunately, even tonsils can become inflamed and infected; however, if you are dealing with regular or recurring tonsillitis, severe infections, or bleeding of the tonsil, then your ENT doctor may recommend tonsil removal surgery.How long does a tonsillectomy take?
A tonsillectomy is performed as a simple outpatient procedure, which means that you will be able to go home the very same day. Surgery is done right in our ENT practice under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep throughout the entire procedure.
There are a variety of different methods that can be used to remove the tonsils and your doctor will talk to you about which method may be the best option for you. The surgery is quick, only taking approximately 20-30 minutes to remove the tonsils.
What is the recovery process like?
You may experience a sore throat for a few days after surgery so you will want to consume softer foods and more fluids to stay hydrated and to make sure that you are getting proper nutrients while your mouth heals. Resting is also very important, and you should avoid any physical activities for about two weeks.
You may need pain relievers to ease your symptoms during recovery. Your otolaryngologist will also let you know when you can return to work or when your child can return to school after surgery.
Could I benefit from tonsil removal surgery?
If you are having issues with your tonsils, you may benefit from removal surgery. Talk with your ENT doctor to find out whether a tonsillectomy is a right choice for you or your little one.
Is it time to schedule an appointment with an ear, nose and throat doctor?
While common cold-induced sniffles or chest congestion may have you simply turning to your routine doctor for a checkup, it’s also important to recognize when your ear, nose or throat problems may warrant treatment from a specialist like our Washington DC, ENT doctor Dr. William Bond, Jr. Wondering whether you should turn to an ENT doctor for care? You may want to if,
You’re dealing with recurring sinus infections
While a simple sinus infection probably isn’t enough to warrant a trip to our ENT doctor’s office here in Washington DC, you may want to come in for an evaluation if you are dealing with severe or persistent sinus infection symptoms that last more than 12 weeks. Chronic sinusitis can cause serious pain in the face, nose and upper teeth, and may require more aggressive treatment from a qualified ENT specialist.
You suspect that you might have allergies
If you are dealing with nasal congestion, facial pain and pressure, persistent cough and sinus infections then allergies could be to blame. Luckily, our ENT doctor can easily test, diagnose and treat your allergies. By determining what triggers your allergy symptoms we can easily give you the answers and care you need to alleviate symptoms in the future.
You’ve noticed hearing loss or changes in your hearing
Are you noticing changes in your hearing such as hearing loss or muffled hearing? While an ear infection could be the cause, it’s important to determine the root cause of your hearing loss to prevent it from getting worse. If you’ve been experiencing changes in hearing for 1-2 weeks, it’s important to get an evaluated from an ENT specialist.
You are experiencing ringing in the ears
Most people will experience ringing in the ears at some point (you may have experienced this after leaving a loud concert); however, if you experience this problem regularly you could be dealing with a condition known as tinnitus. It can also be a sign of hearing issues or an infection, so it’s a good idea to turn to an ENT doctor who can figure out the cause and provide you with an effective solution to get rid of this annoying problem.
If you are dealing with recurring sinus infections, persistent allergy symptoms or hearing problems, our Washington DC, ENT doctor will be able to provide you with the specialized treatment you need. Call our office today at (202) 726-7770.
The tonsils are two small glands that are found in the back of the throat. They are our body’s first defenses against harmful bacteria and other foreign invaders; however, sometimes even the tonsils can become inflamed and infected. This condition is known as tonsillitis. While dealing with tonsillitis doesn’t require having your tonsils removed, your ENT doctor may recommend getting a tonsillectomy if:- You are dealing with seven or more tonsil infections in just one year
- You have more than five tonsil infections a year for two years in a row
- You have three infections per year for three years in a row
- Your infected tonsils are not responding to antibiotics
- You’re dealing with enlarged tonsils (this can also cause obstructive sleep apnea and issues with breathing while sleeping)
What are the symptoms of tonsillitis?
Wondering if you or your child is dealing with a case of tonsillitis? It’s possible if these symptoms appear:
- A severe sore throat
- White or yellow patches on the throat and tonsils
- Swollen, inflamed tonsils
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Persistent bad breath
- Pain or trouble swallowing
- Fever
This procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia, so you or your child will not be awake during the procedure; however, this is a minor procedure, so patients can go home the very same day. A tonsillectomy takes anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour and the area does not require stitches.
After a tonsillectomy, it is important to take ample time to rest and recover, which can take up to one week before returning to normal activities and up to two weeks before returning to physical activity. Your otolaryngologist will provide you with detailed recovery instructions to follow after your surgery.
If your child is dealing with persistent and severe tonsillitis, or if you’re dealing with obstructive sleep apnea, it’s important to consult with your ENT specialist to find out if you or your child’s tonsils need to be removed. Schedule an evaluation today.
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