Instead of traditional surgery to remove the gland where the stones form, which carries a high risk of side effects, the expert team are now offering a range of techniques that include breaking up the stones using controlled acoustic shockwaves, collecting the stones using miniature forceps or baskets that are passed down the salivary duct, and possibly minimally invasive controlled surgery.
Salivary stones can be as large as three centimetres in diameter and form in ducts leading into the mouth where they obstruct the normal flow of saliva. At mealtimes extra saliva is produced which becomes stuck causing significant swelling around the glands and causes pain. If the problem is left untreated for long periods the backed up saliva can become infected.
At Guy's the specialist team has grouped the talents of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a radiologist and an expert in oral medicine and lithotripsy to tackle this problem together. The work has been so successful that patients now travel from as far away as Northern Ireland and Cornwall for their care.
Professor Mark McGurk, consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon, said: "We have now built up a knowledge and level of expertise that isn't found elsewhere in the NHS."
One patient to benefit was Seanne Brearley, 30, who said: "Frequently I'd sit down to eat a meal, or smell something cooking and suddenly my saliva glands would swell up. There were times when I could hardly open my mouth because the glands under my tongue became so swollen. Since the procedure I've had no ill effects which is fantastic."