Salivary gland stones, or sialolithiasis, are calcified structures that form inside a saliva duct, leading to painful blockages and swelling. This condition is the primary cause of "mealtime syndrome," a distinct, painful swelling of the face or jaw that occurs when you eat. At ENT Central in Palmerston North, Dr. Naveed Basheeth offers specialized diagnostics and advanced, minimally invasive treatments to remove these stones, preserve your gland, and provide lasting relief.
What causes salivary stones to form?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but stones are thought to form from the buildup of mineral salts present in saliva. Factors like dehydration, which thickens saliva, and certain medications can slow salivary flow and contribute to the risk of a stone forming.
Can I just leave the stone and hope it goes away?
While a very small stone might pass on its own, leaving a larger, symptomatic stone is not recommended. It will likely cause continued painful mealtime swelling and places you at high risk for developing recurrent, painful bacterial infections in the gland, which can become severe.
Will stones come back after they are removed?
Recurrence of salivary stones is uncommon after they have been completely removed. Dr. Basheeth will provide you with advice on how to reduce your risk, such as maintaining good hydration, to help prevent new stones from forming in the future.
Is sialendoscopy painful?
The procedure is performed under anaesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during it. After the procedure, there may be some minor, temporary swelling or discomfort in the area, but this is typically managed easily and resolves very quickly.