Salivary Gland
Salivary Gland Disorders and Treatment
The mouth and throat contain three pairs of major salivary glands — the submandibular, sublingual, and parotid glands — as well as several hundred smaller minor salivary glands. Saliva is secreted into the mouth through small tubes known as ducts.
One common cause of swollen salivary glands is salivary stones, which are crystallized deposits that can form within the ducts. These stones can block saliva flow, causing it to back up into the gland, leading to pain and swelling. The discomfort often occurs intermittently and tends to worsen during meals. In many cases, this blockage is accompanied by infection.
The most effective way to relieve symptoms is to remove the salivary stones. Dr. Schleiffarth specializes in diagnosing and treating salivary gland disorders, including stone removal. One advanced technique is Sialoendoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure used to remove salivary stones.
For more information, watch our video on Sialoendoscopy. To schedule an appointment at West River ENT in Rapid City, SD, call (605) 307-8777 today.