Salivary calculi, also known as salivary gland stones or sialoliths, are hard, stone-like deposits that form within the salivary glands or their ducts. These calculi typically consist of calcium salts and other minerals, and can vary in size from tiny grains to large stones. They usually develop in the submandibular gland or its duct, but can also occur in the parotid or sublingual glands.

Salivary calculi can cause various symptoms, such as pain, swelling, difficulty swallowing, and decreased saliva production in the affected gland. The exact cause of salivary calculi formation is not fully understood, but it may be associated with dehydration, gland dysfunction, or changes in the composition of saliva. Treatment options depend on the size, location, and symptoms caused by the stones and can range from hydration and massage to surgical removal.

"Calculi" is a medical term that refers to abnormal concretions or hard masses formed within the body, usually in hollow organs or cavities. These masses are typically composed of minerals such as calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, or magnesium ammonium phosphate, and can vary in size from tiny granules to large stones. The plural form of the Latin word "calculus" (meaning "pebble"), calculi are commonly known as "stones." They can occur in various locations within the body, including the kidneys, gallbladder, urinary bladder, and prostate gland. The presence of calculi can cause a range of symptoms, such as pain, obstruction, infection, or inflammation, depending on their size, location, and composition.

Urinary calculi, also known as kidney stones or nephrolithiasis, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the urinary system. These calculi can develop in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

The formation of urinary calculi typically occurs when there is a concentration of certain substances, such as calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or struvite, in the urine. When these substances become highly concentrated, they can crystallize and form small seeds that gradually grow into larger stones over time.

The size of urinary calculi can vary from tiny, sand-like particles to large stones that can fill the entire renal pelvis. The symptoms associated with urinary calculi depend on the stone's size, location, and whether it is causing a blockage in the urinary tract. Common symptoms include severe pain in the flank, lower abdomen, or groin; nausea and vomiting; blood in the urine (hematuria); fever and chills; and frequent urge to urinate or painful urination.

Treatment for urinary calculi depends on the size and location of the stone, as well as the severity of symptoms. Small stones may pass spontaneously with increased fluid intake and pain management. Larger stones may require medical intervention, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) to break up or remove the stone. Preventive measures include maintaining adequate hydration, modifying dietary habits, and taking medications to reduce the risk of stone formation.

Ureteral calculi, also known as ureteric stones or ureteral stones, refer to the presence of solid mineral deposits (calculi) within the ureters, the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. These calculi can vary in size and composition, and their formation is often associated with conditions such as dehydration, urinary tract infections, or metabolic disorders. Ureteral calculi may cause symptoms like severe pain, hematuria (blood in the urine), and obstruction of urine flow, potentially leading to serious complications if left untreated.

Kidney calculi, also known as kidney stones, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. When they're small enough, they can be passed through your urine without causing too much discomfort. However, larger stones may block the flow of urine, causing severe pain and potentially leading to serious complications such as urinary tract infections or kidney damage if left untreated.

The formation of kidney calculi is often associated with factors like dehydration, high levels of certain minerals in your urine, family history, obesity, and certain medical conditions such as gout or inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms of kidney stones typically include severe pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin; nausea and vomiting; fever and chills if an infection is present; and blood in the urine. Treatment options depend on the size and location of the stone but may include medications to help pass the stone, shock wave lithotripsy to break up the stone, or surgical removal of the stone in severe cases.

Urinary bladder calculi, also known as bladder stones, refer to the formation of solid mineral deposits within the urinary bladder. These calculi develop when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together, forming a stone. Bladder stones can vary in size, ranging from tiny sand-like particles to larger ones that can occupy a significant portion of the bladder's volume.

Bladder stones typically form as a result of underlying urinary tract issues, such as bladder infection, enlarged prostate, nerve damage, or urinary retention. Symptoms may include lower abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blood in the urine, and sudden, strong urges to urinate. If left untreated, bladder stones can lead to complications like urinary tract infections and kidney damage. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the stones or using other minimally invasive procedures to break them up and remove the fragments.

Dental calculus, also known as tartar, is a hardened deposit that forms on the surface of teeth. It's composed of mineralized plaque, which is a sticky film containing bacteria, saliva, and food particles. Over time, the minerals in saliva can cause the plaque to harden into calculus, which cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone. Dental calculus can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease if not regularly removed by a dental professional through a process called scaling and root planing.