Pediatric Oral Mucocele Management: A Case Series Investigating Different Treatment Approaches

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dermatology

Background:

• Mucocele is a common benign cystic lesion caused by minor salivary gland disruption, often due to trauma.
• Pediatric mucoceles frequently occur on the lower lip from habits like lip-sucking or biting.
• Effective management is crucial to prevent recurrence and minimize patient discomfort.

Observation:

• Three pediatric cases of lower lip mucocele removal were analyzed.
• Case 1: Traditional scalpel excision showed good healing and no recurrence at six months.
• Case 2: Diode laser treatment resulted in rapid healing, minimal pain, and no scarring within 30 days.
• Case 3: Electrocautery provided minimal bleeding, effective healing in 21 days, and no six-month recurrence.

Findings:

• Scalpel excision, diode laser, and electrocautery are all effective for pediatric mucocele removal.
• Minimally invasive methods, particularly diode laser, offer advantages in patient comfort, reduced pain, and faster recovery.
• All methods demonstrated successful healing and no recurrence at follow-up intervals.

Implications:

• Minimally invasive techniques may improve patient outcomes and satisfaction in pediatric mucocele treatment.
• Further research is needed to establish long-term efficacy and optimal modality selection for pediatric mucoceles.
• Comparing surgical techniques highlights the benefits of advanced methods in pediatric oral surgery.