Calcium deposits formed in the tissue of the salivary glands or in the secretory ducts are called salivary gland stones or sialoliths, and the formation of stones in the salivary glands is called sialolithiasis.
The task of producing saliva in the oral environment. It is supplied 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, i.e. salivary gland stones, are calcium crystals that mostly occur in the major salivary glands or ducts and cause obstruction of the salivary duct.
The most common salivary gland under the jaw (submandibular) These stones cause painful swelling by blocking 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 usually 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 in adults (especially over the age of 40) than in children.
Agents that increase salivary gland stone formation
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Insufficient fluid consumption
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Decreased saliva production due to illness, medication use, old age
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Repair of salivary gland ducts structural stenosis
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Some drugs such as antihistamines, blood pressure medications
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Development of infection in the region
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Malnutrition
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Electrolyte concentration disorders
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Some syndromes
Symptoms of the presence of salivary gland stones
Saliary gland stones usually do not give any symptoms unless they completely block the salivary gland duct . Symptoms seen when they reach large sizes are:
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Painful swelling under the chin and cheek (especially during meals and more with acidic or sour foods).
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In cases where the stone is small, the swelling disappears after the meal and It may reoccur during labor.
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If salivary gland inflammation is also present, severe pain, warmth in the involved area, and swelling in adjacent lymphs.
Slial Gland Stone Treatment
Sialendoscopy method is preferred in the treatment of salivary gland stones. This method can be applied when the stone diameter is not much larger than the canal diameter. By entering the salivary gland duct endoscopically, diagnosis and treatment are carried out at the same time. 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.
Where the stone is large or there is chronic inflammation In some cases, surgical intervention is performed on 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.
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