Salivary Stones

Explore state-of-the-art treatments for salivary stones at Lenox Hill Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, providing relief from pain and discomfort.

What Are Salivary Stones?

Salivary stones are small, hard deposits that can form in your salivary glands. These stones, which are also called sialoliths, can block the flow of saliva and cause pain or discomfort. Salivary stones typically occur when there is an imbalance in the composition of saliva. This can happen due to dehydration, infection

While scientists are still trying to figure out what causes salivary gland stones, there is a list of common risk factors that may increase your chances for developing this condition. These include:

• Dehydration
• Smoking
• Poor diet
• Certain medications
• Gum disease
• Trauma to the mouth

‍The most significant being dehydration and smoking cigarettes or cigars constantly; also make sure you eat well-hydrated food such as applesauce with lunch every day! If it's not already present in our bodies - gum disease can lead us down the path towards becoming sick with sialolithiasis too (though rare). And lastly trauma could trigger an infection at any time so keep those smiles looked after by visiting the dentist often.

With a sialendoscope, the surgeon performs an operation under local or light anesthesia. This new procedure has been found as less invasive than traditional methods for removing stones and allows patients with repeating cases of stone formation to have their problem resolved without major surgery on infected salivary glands. 

The doctor will insert a 1.3 millimeter micro-endoscope into your mouth and through the natural opening in the salivary gland, where they can see if there are any blockages or issues with flow. This is what causes symptoms such as pain during eating/drinking, stuffy nose. 

The 3 channels that make up the micro-endoscope have different purposes. Each channel has its own function, including:

• Wire baskets that can be used to remove salivary gland stones or balloons which inflate narrowed ducts. 
• The irrigation system pushes fluids into these channels in order to flush out any debris caused by an impacted stone, including protein buildup and other cleaning agents.
• The camera provides light, so doctors see throughout the surgery, while simultaneously providing them with footage allowing greater visibility than ever before. 

Suffering from Salivary Stones? Book a Consultation Today - Contact us for advanced and minimally invasive treatment options.

Questions? Call Us - Our team is ready to assist with your salivary stone concerns.