Need Info on Mucocele Surgery-updated

As I hygienist I see mucoceles quite often but don't recall ever seeing one on a small child and in your case a baby. My husband had one removed in the same area. It kept popping and was becoming an irritation for him because it was in the way of eating and talking since it would rub against his teeth. The wound healed in about a week or so and sutures dissolved around the same time but he said the sensation in that area didn't come back for another couple of months. I would probably get a second opinion. In a way it would be good to have it removed if it is causing irritation (is he trying to bite it, is it popping, etc) and since he is so young. But on the other hand, I have patients that have mucoceles that don't create a problem so they leave it. Hope this helps. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Hi, my co-worker and I have recently talked about this because I was nervous about my 3 year old having a different kind of surgery. Her son is 37 and had this surgery when he was 8 months old! She said they could have waited, but she decided he would need to have it eventually anyway. He did great. I can find out more information from her if you want me to, but considering it happened 36 years ago, I'm sure things are much better now. Good luck on whatever you decide!

My daughter had this surgery. She did well, just seemed to take a little while coming out of the anesthesia. I'm kind of suprised that they want to do the surgery now for you as they required her to wait until she was at least three since sedation was required.
Recovery was no problem. She was never bothered by the pain. I just had to reminder her to not suck/lick the wound.
The main problem I had was with insurance. It's not considered a dental procedure it's medical but done in a periodonists or dentist office so it's pretty challenging. Make sure you have all that settled before the surgery:)

I have experience with assisting with this type of surgery. The kids do great, need to watch out that they do not bite the lip because it will be numb for a short time after surgery. Usually not a problem with eating or drinking b/c of mouth pain more of a problem with having the lip numb just like when you get a tooth filled. Just let him have soft foods and Popsicles , he will do great.

a lot of times these will resolve themselves. I would probably at least get a second opinion, maybe 3 before surgery.

I agree with so many of the posts....get another opinion. I too am a hygienist and these can be common although I've never seen on a child so young. Was the doctor who recommended surgery your child's pediatrician or dentist? I would definitely get an opinion from a pediatric dentist before I would have this done.

B. D

My daughter had one when she was 2 or 3 (now she's 25) and days before we were to go in and have it removed, it was gone. If it's not bothering him I'd wait.