[Timing of Alveolar Bone Graft and Sequences of Canine Eruption in Cases of Cleft Lip and Palate: a Systematic Review]

Introduction: The alveolar bone graft (ABG) is an important phase in the surgical treatment of cleft lip and palate (CLP). The purpose of alveolar bone grafting is to eliminate oronasal fistulas, restore the continuity of the maxilla and provide optimal periodontal support for spontaneous eruption of permanent canines adjacent to the cleft. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the ideal timing of the ABG that would achieve these goals.

Material And Methods: Databases consulted were MEDLINE, Embase et EBSCOhost, using keywords present in the MeSH: [cleft lip and palate] and [alveolar bone graft] and [tooth eruption]. Selection criteria included retrospective studies, prospective studies and meta-analyzes dating from January 2005, with available full text.

Results: Among 105 references, 9 articles met our selection criteria. ABG carried out before or just after the eruption of permanent canines adjacent to the cleft, between 8 and 12 years old, has the best success rate of the transplant (71% to 89%) and the lowest risk of canine inclusion (5% to 19%).

Conclusion: According to literature data, the optimal timing of ABG that provide best results is located between 8 and 12 years, before or just after the eruption of permanent canines adjacent to the cleft. However, this timing could be modified by the multidisciplinary team according priorities, particularly aesthetic, defined for each child.