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Pediatric Dentistry · single question

When is the OPTIMAL timing for surgical repair of a cleft lip?

  1. 3–6 months of age
  2. After age 2 years
  3. At birth
  4. 12–18 months of age
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. 3–6 months of age

  • A. Correct. The 'Rule of 10s': at least 10 weeks old, 10 lbs in weight, hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL. This places optimal CLEFT LIP repair at 3–6 months of age.
  • B. Incorrect. Waiting past 2 years for cleft lip repair delays feeding, speech, and social development unnecessarily.
  • C. Incorrect. Immediate repair at birth is not ideal — the infant must be stable and at sufficient weight for anesthesia.
  • D. Incorrect. 12–18 months is the typical timing for CLEFT PALATE repair — not cleft lip. Cleft lip is repaired earlier.

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