Learn about Styloidectomy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Styloidectomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Styloidectomy

A styloidectomy is a specialized dental surgery performed to remove an elongated or calcified styloid process, a slender bony projection located near the base of the skull. This condition, known as Eagle's Syndrome, can cause chronic throat pain, difficulty swallowing, a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, and referred pain to the ear or jaw. The procedure, typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, involves accessing the styloid process through an intraoral or external approach and carefully resecting the abnormal portion of bone. It is a definitive treatment aimed at relieving the compression on nearby nerves and blood vessels, thereby alleviating the debilitating symptoms associated with this anatomical variation.

Key Highlights

    Provides definitive relief from chronic throat and ear pain associated with Eagle's Syndrome.Can significantly improve swallowing function and quality of life.Often performed with minimally invasive techniques, potentially reducing recovery time.Targets the root anatomical cause of the symptoms rather than just managing pain.High success rate in resolving the classic symptoms when performed for correct indications.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosed Eagle's Syndrome with an elongated styloid process (typically > 25-30mm) confirmed by imaging (CT scan or panoramic X-ray).
  • Persistent, unexplained throat pain (odynophagia) or a constant foreign body sensation in the throat (pharyngeal).
  • Chronic facial pain, jaw pain, or ear pain (otalgia) that radiates and is linked to head movement or swallowing.
  • Difficulty or pain during swallowing (dysphagia).
  • Pain upon turning the head or applying pressure to the tonsillar fossa area.
  • Symptoms that are unresponsive to conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive diagnostic imaging, such as a 3D CT scan, to precisely visualize the styloid process length and its relation to surrounding structures.
  • A thorough medical history review and physical examination by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
  • Pre-operative blood tests and possibly an ECG to ensure fitness for anesthesia.
  • Discussion of anesthesia options (local with sedation or general anesthesia) and obtaining informed consent.
  • Instructions to fast (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours before the procedure if general anesthesia is planned.
  • Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon and physician.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding, hematoma, or infection at the surgical site.
  • Injury to nearby critical structures, including cranial nerves (which can affect taste, tongue movement, or sensation), major blood vessels, or salivary glands.
  • Temporary or, rarely, permanent numbness or altered sensation in the tongue, throat, or face.
  • Difficulty swallowing or voice changes in the immediate post-operative period.
  • Scarring, particularly with an external (transcervical) approach.
  • Incomplete resolution of symptoms or recurrence if a portion of the styloid process remains.
  • Risks associated with anesthesia.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital stay is usually short, often 1 day for observation, especially if an external approach was used.
  • Expect a sore throat, jaw stiffness, and some swelling for the first several days; managed with prescribed pain medication and cold compresses.
  • A soft or liquid diet is recommended for the first 1-2 weeks to avoid irritation and aid healing.
  • Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks.
  • Good oral hygiene with gentle rinsing (as directed) is crucial to prevent infection.
  • Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor healing and remove any sutures.
  • Full resolution of pre-operative symptoms may take several weeks as inflammation subsides.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering styloidectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for styloidectomy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand 0-1 days ~ 2-4 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand 0-1 days ~ 2-4 weeks Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Reyansh Verma, a 42-year-old software architect...

Reyansh Verma, a 42-year-old software architect and avid guitarist, had endured a persistent, sharp pain in the right side of his throat and neck for over two years. It worsened when he turned his head to check blind spots while driving or during long practice sessions. Multiple ENT visits ruled out throat infections and muscular issues. A persistent feeling of a 'foreign body' and difficulty swallowing finally led to a 3D CT scan, which revealed an elongated styloid process, Eagle Syndrome. His oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Kapoor, explained that the bony projection was irritating nerves and blood vessels. The recommendation was a transoral styloidectomy to shorten the bone. Reyansh was terrified at the thought of throat surgery, fearing it might affect his voice or his ability to play music. The procedure under general anesthesia went smoothly. The first week of recovery was challenging, with significant throat soreness and a soft diet, but the sharp, stabbing pain he'd lived with was gone. By week six, he could swallow comfortably and, most importantly, play his guitar without wincing in pain. Emotionally, he transitioned from frustrated and resigned to chronic pain, to feeling immense relief and regained control over his life and passion.

Dental surgeons for Styloidectomy

Explore experienced dental surgeons who regularly perform styloidectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Jagdish Kumar
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sonia Khorana
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gaurav Walia
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. J BRAHMAJI RAO
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

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Dr. Harsh Mohan Pathak
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Komal Meena
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

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Dr. Riya Achamma Daniel
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. G Priyadharshini
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Suvango Chakraborty
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Payel Karmakar De
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Arpitha
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Supriya Nambiar
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

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Dr. Hephzibah Ghatge
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. Pritham N Shetty
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Rajarshi Banerjee
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

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Dr. Pragya Kaul
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Chandra Shekar L
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Ravinder Vurakaranam
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 600
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Sumit Agrawal
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Siliguri

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Dr. Vandana Daga
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dental surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated