Salivary gland stone/ hole in toungue

[Lauren231]

Hi,
  A few months ago my Orthdontist discovered i had a large hole in the bottom of my tounge (where my salivary gland is supposed to be, that was a result of a blocked salivary gland at birth) and hiding in it was a large salivary gland stone.
they proceeded to do salivary gland surgery and removed the stone, but left a gaping hole in the bottom of my tounge.
it's a pain to eat because food continues to get stuck in the hole. The orthodontist told me to get a water pick to clean it out.
  later on i went in to the denstist to get a regular ceaning and he looked at the hole and said "i cant belive they left that open, they should have just closed it up!"
  i think that if they had closed it up it would have caused more complications.
i would like to have an opinion on what i should do, because in a couple of months i have to have major jaw surgery (another result to the blocked salivary gland at birth)
it would be very helpful if you could give me some ideas as to which decision is best:

to close the hole or to not close the hole!

thanks so much,
          lauren

[Michael H Kirsch, DDS]

I am at a disadvantage as I cannot visualize your defect.  I would suggest you speak to either a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon or ENT Surgeon to discuss your symptoms.  

You are certainly bringing up some significant reasons to consider repairing the defect.  I do not believe that you should have to spend the rest of your life using a water pick.

Information contained within this reply is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a medical diagnosis or treatment recommendation.  This is not a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your own doctor for medical condition. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.