Why a Sialogram?

Swelling and pain in your salivary glands can be caused by a blockage from a calculus or stone in the salivary duct. A Sialogram is performed to locate the blockage and diagnose what is causing it.

The procedure:

Plain x-rays are performed first to see if the calculus can be seen on x-ray. The radiologist will then squirt some liquid into your mouth, like lemon juice, to activate the salivary glands. Then the duct is cannulated and some contrast is injected to show the salivary glands (see the section on contrast). This causes slight discomfort due to gland fullness, but should not be painful. X-rays are then taken.

Afterwards:

The contrast will spill back into your mouth with help from the lemon juice again, and you can go home. There are no ill-effects following a sialogram.

After the examination

The radiologist will review the pictures and provide a written report to your referring doctor. 

Please settle your account on the day of the examination.

Please contact Mokoia Radiology for an appointment on (07) 345 5690 or 0800 4 MOKOIA (0800 426723)