Hyposalivation after undergoing stapedectomy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Treatment for otosclerosis involves patients' undergoing stapedectomy. Inadvertent damage to the chorda tympani nerve's (CTN's) secretory fibers during stapedectomy can result in inadequate secretory stimulation of the submandibular salivary glands (SMSGs) and sublingual salivary glands (SLSGs). Because most saliva originates from these glands, hyposalivation and subjective xerostomia manifest during resting periods when parotid gland secretions are minimal. Stimulation with food increases parotid gland salivation enough to overcome the subjective sense of dryness.

CASE DESCRIPTION:

The author examined a 52-year-old man who had undergone bilateral stapedectomy because of hearing loss; his rheumatologist referred him to the Salivary Gland Center (New York City) because of a complaint of dry mouth. After the author examined the patient, he concluded that the patient had decreased SMSG and SLSG secretion and recommended that the patient use sugarless chewing gum or sour candy frequently to stimulate his parotid glands and use oral lubricants and sip water as needed.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:

Stimulation of parotid gland secretion is independent of SMSG and SLSG activation. Therefore, the dental practitioner must become aware of the innervation of the salivary glands and each gland's secretory production during periods of oral stimulation and of rest.

• Authors: Louis Mandel
• Journal: Journal of the American Dental Association (1939) (J Am Dent Assoc) Vol. 143 Issue 1 Pg. 39-42 (Jan 2012) ISSN: 1943-4723 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22207665 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Chorda Tympani Nerve (physiopathology)
• Hearing Loss (surgery)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications
• Stapes Surgery (adverse effects)
• Sublingual Gland (metabolism)
• Submandibular Gland (metabolism)
• Xerostomia (etiology)