Feline Salivary Gland Issues

I have a 7.12 lb 10 month old neutered kitten that has a salivary mucocele (under tongue). Current vet treatment has been an attempt to drain it with a needle and swelling was down for a few days. Last week he went under sedation where they tried to flush his gland. They said it was full of very thick saliva. So thick it didn't want to drain. I believe they put a temporary drain in. If this doesn't work they may recommend removal of the gland. What I'm wondering is once they remove the gland will it have an impact on him in the future? Will he require anything special or will it not really bother him? Any thing I can do to help his saliva to be less thick?