Published September 2026

1 of 5A small stone can block a salivary duct, and the gland swells, often most at mealtimes
  1. A small stone can block a salivary duct, and the gland swells, often most at mealtimes
  2. The duct is opened at the blockage
  3. The stone is taken out
  4. The opening may be stitched so it stays wide and drains normally
  5. 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?

Repairing a salivary duct

Jaw and mouth surgeryMajorD7982

D7982. The duct is rebuilt or reopened.

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.

Repairing a salivary duct (D7982): what happens, step by step | TruthMolar