Page 106 - Journal of Laser Dentistry 1

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made by characteristic history and physical examination. Diagnosis can be confirmed by x-ray (80% of salivary gland calculi are visible on x-ray), or by sialogram or ultrasound.

Treatment

Some current treatment options are:

- For small stones, hydration, moist heat, NSAIDs occasionally, and having the patient take any food or beverage that is bitter and/or sour. Sucking on something sour, such as a lemon, may increase salivation and promote spontaneous expulsion of the stone.

- Some stones may be massaged out by a specialist.

- An ENT or maxillofacial surgeon may canulate the duct to remove the stone (sialotomy).

- A surgeon may make a small incision near the stone to remove it.

- Sialendoscopy

To prevent infection while the stone is lodged in the duct, sometimes antibiotics are used. In some cases when stones continually reoccur the offending salivary duct is removed.

Laser setting

Diode Laser 810nm

Power 2.5 Watt,

pulsed 50 Hz

Time On/Off 10ms

Fibre 400 micron

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Prof. Dr. Crippa Rolando