Xerostomia Treatment in Turkey
About Xerostomia
Key Highlights
-
Alleviates chronic discomfort and difficulty in speaking, chewing, and swallowing.Helps prevent dental complications like rampant tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.Can improve taste sensation and overall nutritional intake.Minimally invasive surgical options are often available with quick recovery.Tailored treatment addresses the specific underlying cause of the salivary gland issue.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, persistent dry mouth unresponsive to conservative measures (e.g., hydration, sugar-free gum, saliva substitutes).
- Obstructive salivary gland issues, such as salivary stones (sialolithiasis) blocking ducts.
- Chronic dry mouth as a side effect of medications, radiation therapy to the head/neck, or autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome.
- Recurrent salivary gland infections or swelling due to duct strictures or blockages.
- Significant risk of or existing dental caries and erosion directly linked to reduced salivary flow.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive dental and medical evaluation, including review of all medications.
- Imaging tests like ultrasound or sialography to visualize salivary gland structure and blockages.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (local or general) based on the planned procedure.
- Fasting for several hours if general anesthesia or sedation is to be used.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon and physician.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding, infection, or swelling at the surgical site.
- Damage to nearby nerves, potentially causing temporary or permanent numbness or tingling.
- Incomplete relief of dry mouth symptoms.
- Reformation of salivary stones or recurrence of duct blockage.
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Scarring or changes in salivary duct function.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate post-operative care includes managing pain with prescribed medications and applying ice packs to reduce swelling.
- A soft diet and increased fluid intake are recommended for the first few days.
- Maintain meticulous oral hygiene with gentle brushing and recommended mouth rinses to prevent infection.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and salivary flow.
- Continue using prescribed saliva stimulants or substitutes as directed if dryness persists.
- Avoid strenuous activity for a few days as advised by the surgeon.
-
Typical hospital stay:
0-1 days (Typically outpatient)
-
Expected recovery time:
3-7 days for routine activities; 2-4 weeks for complete healing
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering xerostomia 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 xerostomia. 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 xerostomia compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | USD 165 – USD 881 | 0-1 days (Typically outpatient) | ~ 3-7 days for routine activities; 2-4 weeks for complete healing | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 1,229 – USD 6,556 | 0-1 days (Typically outpatient) | ~ 3-7 days for routine activities; 2-4 weeks for complete healing | Know More |
Emma Verma, a 58-year-old retired school...
Emma Verma, a 58-year-old retired school librarian, had been struggling for two years after completing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Her once-moist mouth felt like 'cotton wool,' making speaking, swallowing her favorite chai, and even tasting food a constant struggle. She avoided social meals and felt isolated. Her oncologist referred her to a dental surgeon, who diagnosed severe radiation-induced xerostomia. The doctor recommended a comprehensive management plan starting with prescription fluoride toothpaste and high-dose fluoride gel to prevent rampant decay, followed by fitting for custom fluoride trays for nightly use. Emma was also prescribed pilocarpine to stimulate her remaining salivary glands. The initial fitting was uncomfortable, and the medication caused some sweating, but the dental team was patient and supportive. After three months of consistent use, Emma experienced a noticeable, though not complete, improvement. Her mouth was less painful, she could enjoy soft foods again, and her risk of decay was under control. Emotionally, she moved from a place of despair and isolation to one of cautious optimism and regained control, feeling empowered by having a tangible plan to manage her condition.