HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

How Do I Remove A Calcium Deposit In My Salivary Gland Without Surgery? Can I Do It By Myself. Done CT Scan

default
Posted on Tue, 17 Jul 2012
Question: How do I remove a calcium deposit in my salivary gland without surgery. Is there anything I can do by myself to remove it? I checked with an ent physician, had at CT scan and was informed as to my situation. Is there anything I can take that will dissolve the calcium deposit? XXXXXXX A.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (2 hours later)
Hello and thanks for the query.
The majority of stones affect the submandibular glands located at the floor of the mouth. Less commonly, the stones affect the parotid glands, located on the sides of the face, or the sublingual glands, which are under the tongue.

Salivary stones form when chemicals in the saliva deposit. They mostly contain calcium. The exact cause is not known. But factors contributing to decreased saliva production and/or thickened saliva may be risk factors for salivary stones. These factors include: dehydration, poor eating, and use of certain medications, such as antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, psychiatric drugs, and bladder control drugs. Trauma to the salivary glands may also increase risk for salivary stones.

The stones cause no symptoms as they form, but if they reach a size that blocks the duct, saliva backs up into the gland causing pain and swelling. The pain, which is usually felt in a single gland, may be intermittent and get progressively worse. Inflammation and infection within the affected gland may follow.

The only natural way to remove stones is meant for small stones where stimulating saliva production by sucking on a lemon or sour candies may cause the stone to pass spontaneously. In other cases where stones are small, the doctor or dentist may massage or manually push the stone out of the duct.

Although surgery can remove the bigger stones easily but if you dont want surgery then you may opt for a newer and less invasive technique called sialendoscopy to remove salivary gland stones.  sialendoscopy uses tiny lighted scopes, inserted into the gland's opening in the mouth, to visualize the salivary duct system and locate the stone. Then, using specially designed micro instruments, the surgeon can remove the stone to relieve the blockage. The procedure is performed under local or light general anesthesia, which allows the patient to go home right after the procedure.

For people with recurrent stones or irreversible damage to the salivary gland, surgical removal of the gland is necessary.

In addition, antibiotics are prescribed if salivary stones have caused infection.
I hope to have answered in detail however you may revert to me for any other query.
Best of luck.
Thanks 
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1978

Answered : 6704 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
How Do I Remove A Calcium Deposit In My Salivary Gland Without Surgery? Can I Do It By Myself. Done CT Scan

Hello and thanks for the query.
The majority of stones affect the submandibular glands located at the floor of the mouth. Less commonly, the stones affect the parotid glands, located on the sides of the face, or the sublingual glands, which are under the tongue.

Salivary stones form when chemicals in the saliva deposit. They mostly contain calcium. The exact cause is not known. But factors contributing to decreased saliva production and/or thickened saliva may be risk factors for salivary stones. These factors include: dehydration, poor eating, and use of certain medications, such as antihistamines, blood pressure drugs, psychiatric drugs, and bladder control drugs. Trauma to the salivary glands may also increase risk for salivary stones.

The stones cause no symptoms as they form, but if they reach a size that blocks the duct, saliva backs up into the gland causing pain and swelling. The pain, which is usually felt in a single gland, may be intermittent and get progressively worse. Inflammation and infection within the affected gland may follow.

The only natural way to remove stones is meant for small stones where stimulating saliva production by sucking on a lemon or sour candies may cause the stone to pass spontaneously. In other cases where stones are small, the doctor or dentist may massage or manually push the stone out of the duct.

Although surgery can remove the bigger stones easily but if you dont want surgery then you may opt for a newer and less invasive technique called sialendoscopy to remove salivary gland stones.  sialendoscopy uses tiny lighted scopes, inserted into the gland's opening in the mouth, to visualize the salivary duct system and locate the stone. Then, using specially designed micro instruments, the surgeon can remove the stone to relieve the blockage. The procedure is performed under local or light general anesthesia, which allows the patient to go home right after the procedure.

For people with recurrent stones or irreversible damage to the salivary gland, surgical removal of the gland is necessary.

In addition, antibiotics are prescribed if salivary stones have caused infection.
I hope to have answered in detail however you may revert to me for any other query.
Best of luck.
Thanks