Sialolithiasis

Sialolithiasis, or salivary stones is defined as the formation of calcific concretions within the ductal system of a salivary gland (SG). The submandibular salivary gland is most frequently involved. The presence of stones is less common in the parotid gland, while its occurrence in the sublingual and minor salivary glands is infrequent. Salivary stasis in the presence of a nidus favors salt precipitation and sialolith formation. The stone’s obstruction to salivary flow favors the development of objective and subjective symptomatology, pain and swelling, primarily associated with periods of increased salivary demand. Inevitably in time, an acute suppurative sialadenitis will develop secondary to the occurrence of an ascending duct invasion by oral bacteria. Therapeutic intervention to remove the offending sialolith is required. Sialolithectomy is usually rewarded by salivary gland recovery.