Expert: Jeff Dalin DDS - 10/26/2004

Question
Hello, I think I contacted you before, I have an enlarged saliva gland under my tongue, ( a couple actually) it is always bigger than the other side, sometimes it swells then drains, there is no pain, just some discompfort when it is swollen.
My question is that I went to the dentist, he looked at it and felt it then told me it was a little swollen but nothing to worry about.
Can he really tell just by looking?  Is that normal or should I have had test or something?
Thanks.

P.S. I am a 26 year old non-smoking female general good health, do have some Tmj problems, that my dentist thinks may be caused by an impacted wisdome tooth laying on it's side.

Answer
Your wisdom teeth are way in the back behind your back molars. Your salivary glands are under your tongue. They are in two different areas. I cannot diagnose anything online without seeing things in person. If you want to be absolutely sure about your issue, make an appointment with an oral surgeon. He/she can evaluate your salivary glands. If a duct is clogged or blocked, he/she can fix that. If it is something to do with your wisdom teeth, he/she can deal with that as well (get them out). So play it safe and make an appointment with the oral surgeon. Your mind will be put to ease in that way. Good Luck.

Jeff Dalin, DDS