How do I prepare for this exam?
There are no dietary restrictions although it is best to eat a light meal prior to the exam.

Can I take my usual medications?
You may take medications.

What will happen in the X-ray room?
A radiologist and technologist will administer the exam.  You will lie down on a fluoroscopy table and the radiologist will place a small tube into the opening of the gland (duct orifice) after dilatation of the duct with small metal dilators.  An X-ray dye will be injected into the duct.  The radiologist will watch a special X-ray television screen.  At intervals, spot films will be taken and the head position changed to see the duct and glandular branches.

Will the exam be painful?
You will feel a fullness or tightness in the gland after or during the course of the dye injection.  The gland may be swollen for 1 to 2 days after the test.  Chewing gum, lemon drop lozenges or li hing mui will cause the gland to secrete saliva and return to normal size sooner.

How long will the exam take?
The exam will take 30 to 45 minutes usually.  Some duct openings are very small, about the size of a hair, and cannot be entered and examined.