Sialogram

Overview
Sialogram or sialography is imaging of the salivary glands using x-ray

Technique
A baseline radiograph of the required salivary gland would be taken, a cannula then is inserted in this salivary gland duct's opening in the mouth, a Radio-opaque fluid (Contrast medium) then is injected in the duct.

A series of radigraphs would then be taken to determine the flow of the fluid, identify any obstructions and its location , the rate of fluid excretion from the gland.

Usually the radiographs taken are lateral oplique views of the face as Orthopantomogram's are not useful for the purpose of locating the area due to superimpositions and the way they are taken to put the teeth in the main field.

Indications

 * Salivary gland's stones
 * Salivary duct calculus
 * Sjogren syndrome
 * salivary gland tumours
 * Salivary gland narrowing or obstruction

Contraindications

 * Allergy to the contrast medium, mainly to Iodine.
 * Acute salivary gland infections