What is sialography?
Sialography is an X -ray depicting of the patient's salivary glands and also associated with them. It is commonly called Siogram, it is a diagnostic test that the doctor can use to determine the cause of any abnormalities of the salivary glands. These glands are responsible for providing the mouth of saliva and are on both sides of human face. Sialography can reveal problems such as salivary pipe stones, salivary gland infections or narrowing of the pipeline associated with glands.
Before siography, patients will meet their doctors to discuss their health and preparation for the test. In general, patients will not have to reduce food or fluid intake in advance. However, some people may prefer to receive a sedative if they are nervous of a medical test. Those who plan to be reassured can receive specific dietary instructions. Iodine substances or X -ray contrast materials. Drug allergies should also be discussed. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should with their doctors disktie about potential risks. Many hospitals and clinics require patients undergoing sialography to sign the consent form.
When the patient arrives at the hospital, the laboratory technician lets him rinse his mouth with an antiseptic solution. If it has a very small saliva production, it can have lemon juice to place it in the mouth. This stimulates the salivary glands to release saliva.
After the patient lies on the exam, sialography begins with a contrast dye injection. The X -ray technician puts the contrast material into the pipes placed at the bottom of the patient's mouth. This allows Siogram to clearly show the areas of the mouth that can present problems. Although it is not painful, some patients said the contrasting dye tastes unpleasant. It can also cause temporary pressure or general discomfort.
After injection of contrast material will be the technician takes X -rays of several differentpatient's mouth angles. Sometimes the technician first takes X -rays, then introduces lemon juice into the patient's mouth and takes more X -rays. Sialography performed in this way allows a neuroradiologist to find out if there is a problem with the drainage of saliva.
In general, patients can return to their normal activities immediately after sialography. If the sedatives are given, they can be monitored for a certain period of time and should not go back home. Sialography is usually associated with a very low risk, but some patients report minor swelling and tenderness of the area. A small amount of radiation is used, but children and pregnant women can be more sensitive to it.