From the Research
The best treatment for a mucocele in the mouth is typically surgical removal or marsupialization, depending on the size and symptoms, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting marsupialization as a viable first-line therapy 1. When considering treatment options for a mucocele, it's essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
- Surgical excision is often considered the most effective treatment, as it involves removing the mucocele along with the associated minor salivary gland to prevent recurrence, usually under local anesthesia 2.
- However, marsupialization has emerged as a promising alternative, offering a simpler and less invasive procedure with faster healing times and minimal risk of recurrence or complications 1, 3.
- Other treatment options, such as intralesional corticosteroid injection, micromarsupialization, cryotherapy, and laser ablation, may also be considered, but the evidence supporting their use is not as strong as that for marsupialization and surgical excision 4, 5.
- It's crucial to note that the treatment of choice may depend on the specific characteristics of the mucocele, such as its size, location, and symptoms, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences.
- In any case, complete removal of the associated gland is important to prevent the mucocele from returning, and patients should be advised to avoid habits that may have caused the mucocele, such as lip or cheek biting, and to use warm salt water rinses to aid in comfort and healing 2, 1.