Salivary Gland Surgery is performed to treat disorders affecting the salivary glands — which produce saliva to aid in digestion and oral health. These glands can develop blockages, infections, cysts, or tumors that cause pain, swelling, or difficulty in chewing and swallowing. The surgery aims to remove obstructions or diseased glands while preserving facial nerve function and restoring normal salivary flow.
Common signs and symptoms indicating a salivary gland disorder that may require surgery include:
Conditions requiring salivary gland surgery may be caused by:
Salivary gland surgery depends on the underlying problem and which gland is affected — parotid, submandibular, or sublingual. Common surgical procedures include:
The surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, typically takes 1–2 hours, and most patients can resume light activities within a few days.
While not all salivary gland problems can be prevented, proper care after surgery ensures faster recovery and long-term oral health: