Mucocele Removal From Under the Tongue | Queens
A small mucocele on the underside of the tongue removed in a short in-office procedure at SOL Dental Arts in Maspeth, Queens.
Removing a Mucocele From the Underside of the Tongue
A soft, recurring bump on the underside of the tongue — a mucocele, a harmless cyst from a small salivary gland — removed in a short in-office surgical procedure. Minor oral surgery in Maspeth, Queens.
A mucocele is a soft, fluid-filled swelling that forms when a minor salivary gland is blocked or injured — often from accidentally biting the spot — so saliva collects just under the lining. This patient had one on the underside of the tongue. After numbing the area with local anesthetic, our team removed the mucocele along with the small gland feeding it, which is the step that makes it far less likely to return, and closed the site with a few fine sutures.
Mucoceles are benign and common; even after removal one can occasionally recur, and individual experiences vary.
Exam of the swelling on the underside of the tongue
Local anesthetic to numb the area
Surgical removal of the mucocele and its associated minor salivary gland
Closure of the small site with fine sutures
For a mucocele that persists or keeps coming back, removing it — together with the small gland that feeds it — is the dependable fix. It is a conservative, in-office procedure focused on a very small area, and taking out the gland is what reduces the chance of recurrence.
What is a mucocele?
A harmless, fluid-filled swelling that forms when a minor salivary gland is blocked or injured and saliva collects under the surface. They are common and benign.
Can a mucocele come back after removal?
It can occasionally recur, which is why the small gland feeding it is usually removed along with the cyst to reduce that chance.
Should I get a bump under my tongue checked?
Yes. Not every oral bump is a mucocele, so anything new, growing, or lasting more than a couple of weeks should be examined in person rather than guessed at.
Related treatment resources
For treatment context, read the full mucocele removal guide, explore general dentistry and oral exams, learn when to call for an emergency dental visit, or request an appointment if a mouth sore or bump is new, growing, or not healing.
