A facelift in dental settings often refers to an aesthetic “refresh” of the smile rather than a surgical facial operation. It typically involves reshaping, repairing, or brightening teeth to improve how the teeth support the lips and lower face. It is commonly discussed in cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and smile design consultations. The exact meaning varies by clinician and case.
blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the eyelids by removing or repositioning skin, muscle, and/or fat. It is commonly performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. People seek blepharoplasty for functional reasons (such as eyelids that interfere with vision) and for cosmetic reasons (such as under-eye “bags”). It is typically performed by oculoplastic surgeons, plastic surgeons, or other clinicians trained in periocular surgery.
rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape and/or function of the nose. It may be performed for cosmetic goals, breathing improvement, or both. It is commonly provided by facial plastic surgeons and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeons. Dental and facial clinicians may discuss it because nasal shape and airflow can relate to overall facial balance.
facial cosmetic surgery is a group of procedures that reshape or rejuvenate facial features for aesthetic goals. It can involve skin, soft tissue, fat, muscle, cartilage, and bone, depending on the area being treated. It is commonly provided by plastic surgeons and oral and maxillofacial surgeons, sometimes in collaboration with dentists and orthodontists. In dental-related care, it may be discussed when facial balance and the smile, jaws, or bite are being evaluated together.
parotidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the parotid gland. The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and sits in front of and below the ear, over the back of the jaw. parotidectomy is commonly used to diagnose and treat parotid gland tumors and other significant gland problems. It is typically performed by head and neck surgeons (ENT) or oral and maxillofacial surgeons, often with dental teams involved when oral structures are affected.
submandibular gland excision is a surgical procedure to remove the submandibular salivary gland. The submandibular gland sits under the jaw (beneath the mandible) and produces saliva. This procedure is commonly used when the gland is repeatedly infected, blocked by stones, or contains a tumor. It is typically performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon.
sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a very small endoscope to look inside the salivary gland ducts. It is most commonly used in the major salivary glands, especially the parotid (near the cheek) and submandibular (under the jaw) glands. It can be diagnostic (to find a cause of blockage) and therapeutic (to treat the blockage during the same session). Clinicians often use it to manage obstructive salivary gland problems such as salivary stones and duct narrowing.
salivary stone removal is the clinical process of taking a calcified blockage (a “stone”) out of a salivary gland duct. It is most commonly used when a stone reduces or blocks saliva flow and triggers swelling or pain. It may be performed in a dental, oral surgery, or ear-nose-throat (ENT) setting depending on the gland involved. The goal is to restore saliva drainage and reduce repeated inflammation or infection risk.
sialolithiasis is the medical term for a salivary gland stone that partially or fully blocks saliva flow. It most often affects the submandibular gland (under the jaw), but it can involve the parotid gland (near the ear) or smaller glands. It is commonly used in dentistry, oral medicine, ENT (ear–nose–throat), and head-and-neck care to describe obstructive salivary gland disease. The typical symptom pattern is swelling and discomfort that can worsen around mealtimes.
salivary gland surgery is a group of procedures used to diagnose or treat problems affecting the salivary glands and their ducts. Salivary glands make saliva, which helps with swallowing, speaking, and protecting teeth. These surgeries are most commonly performed for stones, infections, cysts, and tumors in the parotid, submandibular, sublingual, or minor salivary glands. Care may involve dental clinicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgeons, depending on the gland and condition.