Salivary stones
How is it diagnosed?
A GP may be able to see the stone when they examine your mouth. Otherwise, an X-ray would usually show it up.
If the stone doesn't show up on X-ray, you may need one of the following more detailed scans:
- A computerised tomography (CT) scan , which uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the head and neck area.
- A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan , which uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images.
- Sialography where a dye is injected into the gland before an X-ray is taken.
- Sialendoscopy where a thin tube with a tiny light and camera on its end (an endoscope) is inserted into the duct, so the doctor can see into the gland. If a stone is visible, this can be removed at the same time (see below).
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
NHS Choices information on salivary gland stones (calculi), with links to other useful resources
Why do salivary stones form?
It's not known why salivary gland stonesform. There's usually no imbalance of calcium anywhere else in the body. The formation of a stone may be linkedto changes in the flow of saliva through the gla
Where do they form?
Most salivary gland stones form in one of the submandibular glands you have two of these glands (one on each side) under the bottom of your mouth. The stone becomes lodged in the duct running from th
How do I know I have a salivary gland stone?
If the stone is very small and not blocking the duct, you may not realise you have it as there may not be any symptoms. A larger stone may be visible when you open your mouth wide. If the stone is bi
How is it diagnosed?
A GP may be able to see the stone when they examine your mouth. Otherwise, an X-ray would usually show it up. If the stone doesn't show up on X-ray, you may need one of the following more detailed s
How is it removed?
Your GPmay attempt to free up the stone by probing your salivary duct with a thin, blunt instrument. If this doesn't work, you may need a procedure called a therapeutic sialendoscopy (mentioned above
What happens after it has been removed?
Salivary stones are usually a one-off event and most people who develop one won't develop another again. If you're unlucky enough to develop another one, or develop a few at the same time, you may ne
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