Published September 2026
1 of 5A small stone can block a salivary duct, and the gland swells, often most at mealtimes
- A small stone can block a salivary duct, and the gland swells, often most at mealtimes
- The duct is opened at the blockage
- The stone is taken out
- The opening may be stitched so it stays wide and drains normally
- Rarely, the duct is redirected or the gland itself is removed instead
Who usually does it
oral surgeon. Referred to an oral surgeon or an ear, nose and throat doctor.
One question worth asking
What can I do to keep this from blocking again?
Salivary gland treatment
Treating a blocked or infected salivary gland, usually by removing a stone from the duct. Rarely the gland or duct itself is repaired or removed.
A small stone in a salivary duct blocks the flow and the gland swells, often most at mealtimes. The duct is opened and the stone removed, and the opening may be stitched so it stays wide. Rarely a duct is redirected or a gland taken out, which is bigger surgery. Most plans file this as Major. What they actually pay varies by plan.
Codes for this
D7979MajorRemoving a salivary stone without surgeryThe stone is worked out of the duct without cutting.per site · Rarely doneD7980MajorRemoving a salivary stone with surgeryThe duct is opened to remove the stone.per site · Rarely doneD7981MajorRemoving a salivary glandThe whole gland is removed; a hospital procedure.per site · Rarely doneD7982MajorRepairing a salivary ductThe duct is rebuilt or reopened.per site · Rarely doneD7983MajorClosing an abnormal salivary openingAn unwanted opening from a salivary gland is closed.per site · Rarely done
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