Clinical, statistical and chemical study of sialolithiasis

Abstract

Introduction Sialolithes are initiated by localized deposition of calcified material in the salivary glands. And that may even cause various symptom especially swelling and pain. This study purposes to collect statistical data of sialolithiasis for clinical analysis. Materials and Methods Among forty seven patients who have visited Seoul National University Dental Hospital during 2004-2009, patients' age, sex, location and size of stone, radiodensity of stone, symptom, surgical procedure were investigated. Statistical correlation between size, location, symptom was evaluated. Chemical composition was analyzed for 3 sialolithes. Results The average age was 41.4 years. Sialolithiasis had slight female predilection (57.4%). Most cases occurred in the submandibular glands (91.5%). And most cases had radiopaque features (95.8%). The average size was 7.17 mm. The most frequent location of the stones were the duct orifice and the submandibular gland hilum (16 cases in each), followed by the middle part of the duct (n=8), the intraglandular area (n=4), and the proximal part of the duct (n=3). Eleven cases were asymptomatic. Thirty six cases had complaints of pain, swelling, hardness, and decrease in saliva flow (multiple symptoms). Various methods of surgery was performed. Two cases were self-removed. Thirty seven cases underwent procedure involving stone removal alone. Six cases underwent gland extirpation, and two cases underwent ductoplasty. Conclusion There was no statistical correlation between size, location, and symptoms. Sialolith was composed of Ca (58.5-69.3%), P (30.7-35.7%), organic material, and trace inorganic material.