What is a CT Sialogram?

A CT Sialogram uses Computed Tomography and a dye (contrast agent) to study of your salivary glands and ducts.

What happens during a CT Sialogram?

A. Before your scan

What to bring

• Your request form
• Any relevant previous imaging
• Your Medicare card

Preparation – On the day of the scan

No preparation is required

B. During your CT Sialogram

Scan

You may firstly need an x-ray or scan prior to your CT Sialogram. Following this, one of our Radiologists will discuss the procedure with you. Contrast (x-ray dye) will be introduced into one of your salivary glands via a cannula (a thin plastic tube, similar to a flexible needle) which the Radiologist will place into the salivary gland opening in your mouth. You may feel a fullness of gland when the contrast is introduced. The scan is then performed. Following the scan, the cannula is then removed and you will have one final x-ray several minutes after this.

Risks and side effects

A CT Sialogram scan is a very low-risk procedure. Find out more about CT Risks and Side Effects.

Who will perform my scan?

Introduction of the contrast (x-ray dye) into your salivary gland duct will be performed by one of our Specialists and the scan will be performed by our medical imaging team.

What happens after a CT Sialogram?

How do I get my results?

The data we gather from your scan is used to create images and will be available online, on CD and/or hard copy, depending on your doctor’s preference.

All scans are reviewed by our Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists,  Clinical Professor Bernard Koong or Dr Tom Huang. We are the only practice with full time dental board (AHPRA) registered Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists in residence, who are always available to your doctor to discuss your individual case.

For non?urgent cases we ask that you allow 2?4 working days for the results.

Urgent cases can be expedited and, where necessary, our radiologists are also able to discuss the results with your doctor over the phone soon after the scan.

Post procedural information

Once the cannula is withdrawn from the salivary duct, the contrast agent (x-ray dye) will flow into your mouth. You may wish to rinse your mouth at this stage. You are free to eat and drink normally.

You will be able to return to your normal daily activities after your scan.