Salivary duct stones are mineral masses that can block the flow of saliva from the salivary glands, causing dryness, pain, and swelling. They can be diagnosed through a sialogram and removed through surgery.
Saliva is produced by the salivary glands. Each gland contains ducts that carry saliva out of the gland and into the mouth. Salivary duct stones are masses of minerals that have been crystallized and formed within a duct. The stones can range from being very small to being large enough to completely block the vent. If a duct becomes completely blocked, it can cause a number of problems, including significant swelling of the gland.
Salivary stones are listed under the various types of salivary gland disorders. This particular ailment can also be known as sialolithiasis. There are three main types of salivary glands that occur in pairs. The larger pair are called the parotid glands and the two smaller pairs are known as the sublingual and submandibular glands. Salivary duct stones can potentially form in the ducts of any of these glands.
The ducts of the salivary glands do a very important job of carrying saliva into the mouth, which is used to provide moisture and aid in the digestion of food. Because of this, the formation of a stone can severely impede a pipe’s ability to do its job. The cause of salivary duct stones is usually due to the crystallization of chemicals in the saliva. If a stone gets large enough, the salivary ducts may not be able to drain properly. This can cause saliva to build up inside the gland which can lead to a bacterial infection.
A noticeable lack of saliva in the mouth is a common symptom of salivary duct stones. Lack of saliva can make your mouth particularly dry. Often, this dryness can make swallowing difficult, and even opening the mouth can be uncomfortable. Some people with saliva stones may experience swelling in the face or neck. Additionally, there may also be a significant amount of pain in those areas.
Often, eating certain foods can exaggerate symptoms. For example, highly acidic foods generally increase saliva production. If a person with a large stone eats something acidic, she may start producing saliva, however, it will not be able to be secreted through the duct due to the blockage of the stone. This disorder can cause additional dryness and pain in the mouth.
A sialogram can be used to diagnose salivary duct stones. This is an X-ray exam in which a special dye is injected into the ducts for specialized vision. Some patients may also have regular x-rays before having a sialogram. The stones most commonly occur in the submandibular glands and when they are in this location, they are typically easier to find. Often, submandibular gland stones can be felt by a doctor during a physical examination.
Doctors may be able to remove small salivary duct stones. Larger stones may require a minor surgical procedure to remove. This typically involves making a small incision to manually remove the stone. Most doctors will decide the best method of treatment for a salivary stone after considering the size of the stone and the discomfort it is causing the patient.
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