What Your ENT Doctor Wants You To Know About Palate Surgery
Your palate is the roof of your mouth, and it's made of several components. You may need palate surgery when one of these parts is damaged.
Palate surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, which can make it somewhat unnerving. The more knowledge you have about surgery, the more informed decisions you can make. Here's what you need to know.
Why Do People Need Palate Surgery?
Palate surgery can be used to repair a cleft palate, tongue tie, or other congenital defects. It can also help treat speech problems or noncancerous tumors in the mouth. It may even address issues such as sleep apnea and snoring.
What Are the Most Common Types of Palate Surgery?
The most common type of palate surgery is palatoplasty, which repairs or reconstructs the soft and hard tissues of the palate. You might need this if you have a cleft palate or other functional problems.
A uvulopalatopharyngoplasty may also be recommended to remove excess tissue in the back of the throat. People with snoring or sleep apnea may benefit from this procedure.
Another common surgery is tongue-tie release, which is also known as a frenectomy. This procedure releases the tissue that connects your tongue to the floor of your mouth.
How Do You Know if You Need Palate Surgery?
Several signs indicate that you might need surgery. For example, if you have difficulty speaking, a cleft palate, or difficulty swallowing, then surgery may be the best option. Your doctor might also suggest surgery if you have sleep apnea or a growth in your mouth.
Often, people live with symptoms for a long time before they get help. You might have a diagnosis for several years before you pursue surgery.
What Can You Expect After Palate Surgery?
It typically takes several weeks for the palate to heal after surgery. During this time, you may have some swelling and discomfort in your mouth. However, your doctor can prescribe medication to help ease any pain.
Once the palate has healed, you should see better results in speaking, swallowing, and breathing. You may also find that you can sleep more soundly without snoring or sleep apnea.
Talk to Your ENT Doctor About Palate Surgery
Palate surgery is an effective way to address many issues with the roof of your mouth. However, it's important to discuss all of your options with an ear, nose, & throat physician before moving forward. Knowing what to expect and being aware of the risks can help you make an informed decision.