Calcium deposits formed in the tissue of the salivary glands or in the secretory ducts are called salivary gland stones or sialolite, and the formation of stones in the salivary glands is called sialolithiasis.
The task of salivation in the oral environment is provided by the major and minor salivary glands. The major (major) salivary glands are in 3 pairs and are called the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands.
Sialolith, or salivary gland stones, are calcium crystals that form in the major salivary glands or ducts and cause obstruction of the salivary duct.
These stones, which are most commonly found in the salivary gland under the chin (submandibular), cause painful swelling by preventing the flow of saliva. Sometimes they can be found in the salivary gland (Parotis) in front of the ear. They are less common in sublingual and minor salivary glands.
The stones that are mostly seen in the salivary gland under the jaw are larger, while the stones in the salivary gland in front of the ear are smaller. It occurs much more often in adults (especially over the age of 40) than in children.
Factors that increase salivary gland stone formation
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Insufficient fluid consumption
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Decreased saliva production due to illness, drug use, old age
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Structural narrowing of the ducts of the salivary glands
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Certain medications such as antihistamines, blood pressure medications
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Infection in the area
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Not enought feeding
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Electrolyte concentration disorders
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Some syndromes
Symptoms of the presence of salivary gland stones
Salivary gland stones usually do not give any symptoms unless they completely block the salivary gland duct. The symptoms seen when they reach large sizes are as follows:
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Painful swelling under the chin and cheek (especially more during meals and with acidic or sour foods).
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In cases where the stone is small, swelling may disappear after the meal and reappear during the meal.
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If salivary gland inflammation is also present, severe pain, warmth in the involved area, and swelling in the adjacent lymph nodes.
Salivary Gland Stone Treatment
Sialendoscopy procedure is preferred in the treatment of salivary gland stones. This route can be applied when the diameter of the stone is not much larger than the diameter of the canal. By entering the salivary gland duct endoscopically, diagnosis and treatment are carried out simultaneously. If the diameter of the stone is larger than the diameter of the canal, it is removed after the stone is broken (with applications such as laser, shock wave).
It may also be possible to manually remove the stone when the stone is close to the discharge channel mouth.
In cases where the stone is large or there is chronic inflammation, a surgical attempt is made to the area and the stone is removed from the area. In advanced cases, it may be necessary to remove the entire salivary gland along with the stone.
