About Submandibular Gland Excision
Key Highlights
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Definitive treatment for recurrent salivary gland infections and obstructions.Effective removal of benign or malignant tumors in the submandibular region.Performed by specialized dental (oral and maxillofacial) surgeons with expertise in head and neck anatomy.Minimally invasive techniques can often be employed to reduce scarring.Alleviates chronic pain, swelling, and discomfort associated with gland dysfunction.
Who is this surgery for?
- Chronic or recurrent bacterial sialadenitis (infection) of the submandibular gland.
- Symptomatic sialolithiasis (salivary stones) that cannot be removed by less invasive methods.
- Benign tumors (e.g., pleomorphic adenoma) or suspected malignant tumors of the gland.
- Chronic obstructive or inflammatory conditions unresponsive to medical management.
- Persistent, painful swelling or enlargement of the gland (sialosis).
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to assess the gland and surrounding structures.
- Complete medical history review and physical examination, including dental evaluation.
- Pre-operative blood tests and possibly a fine-needle aspiration biopsy if a tumor is suspected.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (general anesthesia is standard) and associated risks.
- Instructions to fast (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours prior to surgery.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon and physician.
Risks & possible complications
- Damage to the marginal mandibular nerve, potentially causing temporary or permanent weakness of the lower lip.
- Injury to the lingual nerve, leading to temporary or permanent numbness or altered taste on the side of the tongue.
- Bleeding (hematoma) or infection at the surgical site.
- Dry mouth (xerostomia) on the affected side, though often minor as other glands compensate.
- Scar formation in the neck, though it is typically placed in a natural skin crease.
- Rarely, injury to the hypoglossal nerve (affecting tongue movement) or facial artery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically required for 1-2 days for monitoring and initial pain management.
- A drain may be placed at the surgical site for 1-2 days to remove excess fluid.
- Pain and swelling are common, managed with prescribed medications and cold compresses.
- A soft diet is recommended initially, avoiding spicy, acidic, or hard foods.
- Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing, remove sutures, and assess nerve function.
- Full recovery and resolution of swelling may take several weeks.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-3 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering submandibular gland excision in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with dental surgery departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform submandibular gland excision. MediFyr helps you compare dental surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for submandibular gland excision compare across other countries where we have data.
Rohan, a 7-year-old from an affluent...
Rohan, a 7-year-old from an affluent family, presented with severe dental trauma after a bicycle accident. Dr. Kumar performed emergency stabilization of multiple avulsed teeth using advanced splinting techniques. The child required weekly follow-ups for 3 months and eventually regained full dental function with minimal aesthetic impact, much to his parents' relief.