A
sialolith observed in the Wharton's duct of a male patient was resected using an
Nd:YAG laser. This is the first report on the resection of
sialolith using
laser. The resected sample was analyzed for structural details using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), FT-Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. Other techniques like energy dispersive X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis were also used for the analysis of structural details. The major peaks of the vibrational spectra are observed to be due to the vibrations of the
phosphate and
hydroxyl groups of the inorganic part of the sample and the proteinaceous component of the organic part. The major elements in the sample are identified as
calcium and phosphorous in the ratio 7:3. The fluorescence spectra recorded at excitation wavelengths 280, 325, and 410 nm showed emission maxima corresponding to the endogenous fluorescence of structural
proteins and
amino acids. The inorganic part of the
sialolith remained stable even at temperatures up to 1,673 K. The spectroscopic studies indicated that the structure of the
sialolith is similar to that of the dentine part of the human teeth. In situ disintegration of the
sialolith involves very high temperature. High
calcium and phosphorous content in the food may be attributed to one of the reasons for the formation of
sialoliths.