What is the primary purpose of surgical excision for ranulas?

The primary purpose of surgical excision for ranulas is to alleviate discomfort and prevent recurrence. A ranula is a type of mucous retention cyst that forms in the floor of the mouth due to the blockage or damage to a salivary gland, commonly the sublingual gland. Surgical excision is performed to remove the cyst and any affected glandular tissue, which addresses the underlying cause of the discomfort and helps to eliminate the ranula's reoccurrence.

By excising the ranula, the procedure directly addresses symptoms such as swelling, difficulty swallowing, and pain that the patient may experience. Additionally, without excision, ranulas tend to recur, leading to ongoing discomfort and the potential for complications. Therefore, the surgical procedure not only provides immediate relief but also serves as a preventive measure against future occurrences.

Other options like promoting wound healing or preserving tooth structure, while relevant in different contexts, do not capture the primary objective of managing a ranula. The focus of the surgical approach is to eliminate the cyst and its discomfort effectively. In terms of allowing better salivation, although restoring normal salivary function can be a secondary benefit, it is not the main intent of the excisional procedure.