Cleft Lip and Palate
Cleft lip and cleft palate are the most common birth defects in the United States. It is estimated that one of every 600 newborns is affected by cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Oral surgery can help repair these conditions.
Read our Patient Testimonials for Cleft Lip and Palate Repair below!
A cleft lip is a separation of the two sides of the lip. When the separation includes the bones of the upper jaw and/or upper gum, our team may be brought in for assistance.
A cleft palate is an opening in the roof of the mouth in which the two sides of the palate did not fuse as the baby was developing in the uterus. Cleft palate can occur on one side (unilateral cleft palate) or on both sides (bilateral cleft palate). Because the lip and the palate develop separately, it is possible for the child to have a cleft palate with or without an accompanying cleft lip.
Cleft palate is a congenital defect, or birth defect, which occurs early in pregnancy. The causes of a majority of cleft palates appear to be a combination of genetics and environmental factors.
The surgery to close a cleft palate is usually completed within the first year of life so that the child’s speech normally develops. Our office will coordinate treatment with the oral or plastic surgeon and with the speech pathologist for treatment.
Our practice creates the prosthetic device used to temporarily close the palate so the baby can feed and grow until surgery. We may also make a dental bridge to replace missing teeth or create special appliances called “speech bulbs” or “palatal lifts” to help close the nose from the mouth enabling speech to sound more normal.
Patient Reviews: Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
This reviews section is in progress. Please visit the Patient Review Form page to leave a review about your cleft lip and palate treatment experiences with Crescent Prosthodontics. Call our office if you would like more information: Crescent Prosthodontics Office Phone Number 803-851-3950.
Crescent Prosthodontics
Patient Testimonial
I feel I’ve found a dental office that is so warm, friendly and very welcoming. I have referred them to others with high accolades.
- Evelyn F
Patient Testimonial
On a referral, I made an appointment with Dr. Ruggiero because my implant bar was failing. Dr. Ruggiero listened attentively while I explained my dental challenges over decades. He followed up with questions with no negativity only with confidence and knowledge that he could replace my current dental implant bar with a modern one along with a beautiful denture that attaches to it. On every visit, I observed how detailed and meticulous Dr. Ruggiero is with his work. His knowledge, confidence, meticulousness, immaculate office, state of the art equipment, friendly and caring staff were all a plus. All my worries disappeared because I knew I was in good hands. The dental bar is modern and the denture is perfect. It just makes me smile when I look at his amazing work!
- Doris F
Patient Testimonial
Until I was seen by Dr. Ruggiero I thought a prostodontist was a specialist that mostly made partials and dentures. I found out that this is not completely true. While he can do these procedures, he also has so much more training than a general dentist. He can do all of the normal things that the general dentist does such as fillings, dental cleanings, crowns, bridges, extractions, bone grafting, placement of implants and full mouth rehabilitation and having a low dose CBCT scanner right in his facility helped him to get a treatment plan fast so as not to waste time going from one place to another. I saw slide shows on a computer screen as I was getting numb that was show casing some of his patients he has helped "get their smile back", but mostly regain function of their teeth and mouth. I would recommend him to anyone seeking total dental care.
- Melissa G
Patient Testimonial
I have known Dr. Nick since he was a “regular” dentist (before he opened his specialty clinic) and he was and is, the best there is. Now, he is treating my son. Dr. Nick is a consummate professional, who is very talented and extremely reasonable. So blessed to know him. Thank you Dr. Nick.
- Shaida B
Patient Testimonial
Outstanding! Dr. Ruggiero is so very passionate about his craft! He gave me my smile back and I am more than happy with the way I look! His staff is very supportive and professional!
- Shari T
Patient Testimonial
Excellent quality of care. Staff and doctor are friendly and highly experienced.
- John R
Patient Testimonial
I am very pleased with my crowns. Dr. Ruggiero made sure I was happy with the way my crowns looked which was especially important since they were in the front. I now love my smile. The staff was great scheduling me in even for the minor adjustments. Thank you Crescent Prosthodontics.
- Cynthia S
Patient Testimonial
First off, let me begin by saying I NEVER write reviews -- but after my experience with Dr. Ruggiero, I felt it was the only right thing to do seeing as he has changed my outlook on dentists all together. Dr. R is the BEST dentist in Columbia. -- not just for people who are VERY frustrated with previous poor dental work done, like myself, but also because he is a grade A+ professional at his craft. I went into his office and was greeted by a very friendly staff and felt comfortable through the entire process. He knew that I had a bad experience so he talked me through the whole thing and made me laugh quite a bit to lighten the mood.. I originally planned to just get my partial replaced and just ignore all the other dental work that needed to be done, but because I had such an excellent experience with him, I ended up with an entire new dental plan that not only corrected prior work but EXCEEDED my expectations and brought back my old smile (it had been over 7yrs since I've seen it!). Dr. R made promises and KEPT them! If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! I look forward to my next appointment!
- Marcie C
Patient Testimonial
I am so in love with my smile. Dr. Ruggiero walked me through the entire process and truly went above and beyond by contacting my other orthodontist while I was in braces to make sure everything was literally PERFECT! I get so many complements on my smile and it looks so natural that I even forget I have veneers. All of it was totally worth it! The staff is great too. Thanks Casci and Dr. Ruggiero for being so awesome.
- Tiffany C
Patient Testimonial
You will love this place....
- Tonya M
Patient Testimonial
If you go to them. ONCE..... You want go anywhere else... They are BEYOND WONDERFUL....Go see for yourself...
- Tonya M
Patient Testimonial
Came in for a cleaning today and was taken care of by the hygienist, Katie. She did a superb job of cleaning and educating me on the health and maintenance of my teeth!! Katie was gentle but thorough in her cleaning, and I was comfortable throughout my visit! After the cleaning I purchased the Oral B Genius powered toothbrush (reasonably priced!!), after receiving a demonstration and even testing it before buying!!
- Joshua M
Patient Testimonial
I was a patient of Dr. Ruggiero's for almost 2 years. Before seeing him, I had not been to dentist in over 2 years because I knew I needed a ton of cosmetic work, including implants and crowns. I dreaded going to the dentist. Dr. Ruggiero put me at ease at the first consultation appointment, and now 2 years later I have perfect teeth! I had a complete mouth restoration. He is very thorough and detailed in his work and has excellent bedside manner. I would recommend him to anyone seeking dental work!
- Kim B
Patient Testimonial
Each member of the team is excellent at his or her job! Although everyone is thoroughly professional, each is also friendly and approachable while respecting one’s needs. Great office and staff—I love coming here!
- Jane B
Patient Testimonial
We had been treated by Dr. Ruggiero when he worked with our primary care dentist several years ago. Amazingly, he remembered us. He had solved a problem with my wife's night guard back then, and was just as friendly and encouraging when we saw him this time. I had implants done in a very difficult location, and our primary dentist was unable to get the crowns properly installed. Dr. Ruggiero and his staff were confident that they could fix the problem, and were able to get us in quickly. We will be returning to get the crowns put in soon.
- Derek B
Patient Testimonial
Fabulous & Friendly dentist and staff. I will never go anywhere else for my dental needs! A MUST try!!!!
- Crystal M
Patient Testimonial
They are so friendly at the office and the dr. is fantastic. I am terrified of Dentist but he is wonderful. Didn't hurt at all. He is the only dentist I will let touch my mouth now.
- Sandra and David P
Patient Testimonial
This is an amazing dental practice. I'll be referring everyone I know!
- Marquita L
Patient Testimonial
Extremely professional and knowledgeable staff! Very happy with my visit.
- Meredith O
Patient Testimonial
I am dental phobic. Extremely dental phobic to the point I shake uncontrollably the entire visit. You can imagine my concerns when I broke a tooth and needed a crown. Dr. Nick is the most calming and caring person. He explains everything in a manner that is very reassuring. After several "prep" appointments for the crown, by the time I had the crown put on I was not nervous at all. For the first time in my life (and let's say I've been around over half a century) I don't feel the extreme anxiety and total fear of going to the dentist.
- Amy B