Sialolith
Pronunciation: sy-AL-oh-lith
A calcified deposit (salivary stone) within a salivary gland or its duct, visible as a radiopaque structure on appropriate radiographic projections.
Full Definition
Sialoliths most commonly occur in the submandibular gland and Wharton's duct, where they appear as radiopaque bodies on occlusal or periapical radiographs. Parotid sialoliths are better visualised on panoramic or lateral oblique projections. Their detection on routine dental radiographs may be incidental, and editors should ensure that clinical reports clearly specify the anatomical location of any identified calcification. The term 'sialolith' (singular) and 'sialoliths' (plural) are preferred over the lay term 'salivary stone' in clinical and academic documents. Editors must not confuse sialoliths with phleboliths (calcified venous thrombi) or dystrophic calcifications, which may have similar radiographic appearances.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the affected gland and duct in clinical documents. 'Salivary calculus' is acceptable but 'salivary stone' should be reserved for patient-facing materials.
In Context
- "A radiopaque sialolith measuring approximately 8 mm was identified in the right Wharton's duct on the lower occlusal radiograph." — Oral medicine clinical report
- "The term 'salivary stone' was replaced with 'sialolith' throughout the manuscript to conform to clinical terminology standards." — Copy-editing correspondence