Salivary Gland Treatment
in Austin, TX

From salivary stones and gland infections to lumps and masses, Capital ENT's board-certified otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons diagnose and treat the full range of salivary gland disorders, medically and surgically, for patients across Central Texas.

Request an Appointment Call 512-339-4040

Trusted Salivary Gland Specialists in Austin

What Kind of Doctor Treats Salivary Gland Problems?

An ENT (otolaryngologist), also called a head and neck surgeon, is the specialist who diagnoses and treats salivary gland disorders. The major salivary glands include the parotid glands in front of and below the ears and the submandibular glands beneath the jaw. When these glands form stones, become infected, or develop a lump, our board-certified ENTs manage the problem from first evaluation through medical treatment or surgery, all under one roof.

You have hundreds of salivary glands that keep your mouth moist and help you chew, swallow, and digest food. Problems usually arise in the larger glands when a duct becomes blocked, an infection sets in, or an abnormal growth develops. Most salivary gland conditions are very treatable, and our physicians tailor care to the specific gland and cause involved. For a plain-language overview of these conditions, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and MedlinePlus (NIH) are reliable patient resources.

Common Salivary Gland Conditions

Our team evaluates and treats the full range of salivary gland problems, from simple blockages to masses that need surgical removal.

Salivary Stones (Sialolithiasis)

Calcified deposits can form in a salivary duct and block the flow of saliva, most often in the submandibular gland under the jaw. The hallmark is painful gland swelling that flares at mealtimes. Stones that will not pass on their own can be removed.

Salivary Gland Infections (Sialadenitis)

When saliva flow slows, bacteria can infect a gland, causing painful swelling, tenderness, and sometimes pus or a bad taste in the mouth. Infections are common alongside stones or dehydration and usually respond to antibiotics and supportive care.

Salivary Gland Masses & Tumors

A lump in or near a salivary gland needs evaluation. Most parotid gland tumors are benign, but some are cancerous, so we use a careful exam, imaging, and a needle biopsy when appropriate to find out what a mass is and guide the right next step in care.

Blocked Ducts & Dry Mouth

Narrowed ducts, scarring, or reduced saliva flow, including from conditions such as Sjögren's syndrome, can cause recurrent swelling and persistent dry mouth. We identify the underlying cause and recommend treatment to restore comfort and gland function.

Symptoms That Warrant an Evaluation

Salivary gland symptoms often come and go, which leads many people to wait. Because an untreated blockage can lead to repeated infections, and because a lump should never be ignored, it is worth being seen if you notice any of the following:

Painful swelling near the jaw or in front of the ear, especially around meals
A lump you can feel in the cheek, under the jaw, or in the floor of the mouth
Repeated gland infections or swelling that keeps returning
Pus, grit, or a foul taste draining into the mouth
Persistent dry mouth, sometimes with dry eyes
Facial weakness on the same side as a salivary gland lump

Facial weakness with a parotid mass is a symptom that should be evaluated promptly. ENT Urgent Care and same-day visits are often available. Sudden facial drooping, especially with arm weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking, can be a stroke: call 911. Go to the emergency room for rapidly spreading swelling of the face or neck, high fever, or any trouble breathing or swallowing.

How We Diagnose and Treat Salivary Gland Disorders

Evaluation

We start with a focused history and examination of the glands and ducts. When more detail is needed, imaging and, for any mass, a needle biopsy help us pinpoint the cause and plan treatment.

Medical Management

Many stones and infections improve with conservative care: hydration, warm compresses, gentle gland massage, and tart lozenges to stimulate saliva flow. Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, and we address any underlying contributor.

Salivary Stone Removal

When a stone will not pass on its own, it can be removed to relieve the blockage and prevent further infections. Our surgeons select the approach based on the size and location of the stone.

Submandibular Gland Surgery

For a gland that is chronically infected, repeatedly obstructed, or contains a mass, removal of the submandibular gland is a well-established, effective operation performed by our head and neck surgeons.

Parotid Gland Surgery (Parotidectomy)

Masses and persistent problems in the parotid gland are treated by removing part or all of the gland (parotidectomy). The facial nerve runs through the parotid gland, which is why this surgery should be performed by an ENT and head and neck surgeon.

Experienced Head & Neck Care, Close to Home

Salivary gland disorders sit squarely within the expertise of an ENT and head and neck surgeon. Our team brings that training to four convenient Central Texas locations.

Board-certified otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons
Both medical and surgical treatment, coordinated by one team
Same-day and next-day appointments often available
Four locations across Austin, Lakeway, Marble Falls, and Dripping Springs

Salivary Gland FAQ

An ENT (otolaryngologist), also called a head and neck surgeon, is the specialist who diagnoses and treats salivary gland disorders. ENTs evaluate the major salivary glands (the parotid glands in front of the ears and the submandibular glands under the jaw), manage stones and infections medically, and perform salivary gland surgery when it is needed.

The classic sign of a salivary stone (sialolithiasis) is painful swelling of a gland, usually under the jaw, that gets worse around mealtimes when saliva production increases. Symptoms may come and go, and the gland can become infected if a stone blocks the duct for long enough. A stone that does not pass on its own can be removed.

Most salivary gland tumors are benign, particularly those in the parotid gland, but a minority are cancerous. Because the only way to know for certain is an evaluation, any persistent lump in or near a salivary gland should be examined by an ENT. We use imaging and, when appropriate, a needle biopsy to determine whether a mass is benign or malignant and guide the next step in care.

Many stones and infections respond to conservative care: staying well hydrated, applying warm compresses, gently massaging the gland, and using tart candies or lozenges to stimulate saliva flow. Bacterial infections (sialadenitis) are treated with antibiotics. When a stone will not pass or infections keep returning, surgery to remove the stone or the affected gland may be recommended.

Surgery is considered when a salivary stone cannot be cleared, when a gland is chronically infected or repeatedly inflamed, or when a mass needs to be removed. The two most common operations are removal of the submandibular gland and parotid gland surgery (parotidectomy).

Not always. Dry mouth can come from medications, dehydration, or mouth breathing, but it can also reflect reduced salivary flow from blocked ducts or a condition such as Sjögren's syndrome. If dry mouth is persistent or comes with gland swelling, an ENT evaluation can identify the cause and the right treatment.

Reviewed by Dr. Raymond Brown, Board-Certified Otolaryngologist

Concerned About a Salivary Gland Problem?

Our board-certified ENT and head and neck surgeons can evaluate salivary swelling, stones, infections, and lumps.

Request an Appointment Call Austin: 512-339-4040

Salivary Gland Treatmentin Austin, TX