Guide To Treating Sialorrhea

Salivary Gland Surgery

There are some surgical treatments available to help control excessive drooling, though whether these are covered by insurance will depend on whether the patient meets the criteria previously outlined by their health insurance company. Most health insurance companies will require the patient to try drug therapy and physical therapy first. Surgery can be done to excise the submandibular gland, and there's also a surgery called four-duct ligation surgery. Other surgeries include parotid duct diversions, relocation of certain ducts, or a tympanic neurectomy. The ideal procedure will vary depending on the patient's circumstances. The underlying cause of the drooling must be considered, as must the age of the patient, the gland most responsible, the invasiveness of the potential surgeries, the recovery time, and the potential for complications or side effects. Surgical correction of drooling will typically only be considered necessary if the drooling is causing significant physical complications. Social distress alone will render it a cosmetic procedure.