A sialogram is performed to diagnose blockage of the salivary flow due to stones or strictures. This examination is done by introducing a very thin tube into the opening of the duct and injecting a small amount of liquid. This probe procedure is done without any anesthesia since it is not too painful. It is a simple procedure usually completed in 30 minutes. Occasionally it can be difficult to the find the duct opening and in those cases the procedure with take longer.

The adjacent image is a sialogram of the submandibular gland that demonstrates stricture of the duct. In this study, contrast material has been injected into the duct in the floor of the mouth.

The adjacent image is a sialogram of the parotid gland with severe inflammatory changes.