Tonsil stones are also known as tonsilloliths. They are small, calcified deposits that form on the tonsils.
They can be white or yellowish and can cause bad breath, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. Although they can sometimes be dislodged by coughing or clearing the throat, larger tonsil stones may require a visit to a specialist clinic like an ear and nose throat clinic in Singapore for professional removal.
Generally, tonsil stones are harmless but can be bothersome and lead to discomfort. In some cases, they may even cause inflammation and infection in the tonsils, known as tonsillitis. The presence of tonsil stones can also contribute to the development of halitosis (bad breath).
This occurs when the stones release sulfur compounds that have a strong odor. In this article, we clarify whether an ENT doctor can remove tonsil stones and when to consider professional tonsil stones removal. Keep reading!
What Type of Doctor Removes Tonsil Stones?
It isn’t any fun having tonsil stones. Apart from the bad breath that they may cause, they may also put you through pain which can be quite frustrating. If you have tried to dislodge them with little success, a fairly natural question that may frequently bug you is; what type of doctor removes tonsil stones?
The type of doctor you will want to see for tonsil stones is an ENT specialist. Also known as otolaryngologists, these doctors receive specialized training to not only diagnose but also treat conditions that affect the ear, nose, throat, head and neck, including tonsil stones.
Thanks to their specialized training, the doctors at your ear, nose, and throat clinic in Singapore can safely remove tonsil stones. To ensure the best treatment outcomes, these specialists use various methods which may include manual removal with a tool or irrigation. If you’ve been experiencing the osjećaj knedle u grlu, an ENT specialist can not only help with the removal of tonsil stones but also address this discomfort, providing a tailored solution. What’s more, an ENT specialist can also guide how to prevent the formation of new tonsil stones, ensuring long-term relief from such sensations.
How do you know when to remove Tonsil Stones?
While tonsil stones may sound gross, you may not even need to remove them if they do not bother you. In fact, they do fall out on their own but there are isolated instances when you may want to remove them. You can tell it is time to visit your ear, nose and throat clinic in Singapore for tonsil stones removal if the tonsil stones cause;
· Persistent Symptoms
There are several home remedies that can help with tonsil stones removal. So, if you still get persistent symptoms despite trying home remedies, it may be time to consider tonsil stone removal.
Symptoms that may prompt you to consider professional tonsil stone removal include bad breath, ear pain, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. These symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life and timely removal can provide a much needed relief.
For the best treatment outcomes, make arrangements to visit an accredited ear nose and throat clinic in Singapore for assessment. Depending on the size or nature of the stones, they may recommend removal or treatment at home.
· Recurrent Infections
Recurrent tonsil infections are known as tonsillitis. They could also be a sign that it is time to get your tonsil stones removed.
This is important because tonsil stones can contribute to the development of tonsillitis by trapping bacteria and debris in the tonsils. So, removing them may be the best option if you experience frequent sore throats, swollen tonsils, and fever.
In these instances, removing the tonsils cannot only reduce the frequency of infections. It can also reduce their severity to improve your overall health.
· Severe or Persistent Symptoms
In some cases, tonsil stones can cause severe or persistent symptoms that do not improve with conservative measures. Ideally, a removal may be warranted if you have large tonsil stones that cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Done correctly, removal can get rid of these symptoms to improve your quality of life. Note that severe cases may require surgical removal of the tonsils, a procedure known as a tonsillectomy. This procedure is usually reserved for cases where other treatments have failed or when there are complications.
How to Choose the Best Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic for Tonsil Stones Removal
Even though the ear, nose and throat clinic in Singapore is the right facility to visit for tonsil stone removal, these facilities are not made the same. This is why you will want to take time to ensure that you choose the best ENT clinic for your treatment. Here are five key considerations to help you choose wisely:
- Consider Expertise and Experience: Look for a clinic with ENT specialists who have a track record of successfully treating tonsil stones. This is important because experienced specialists are more likely to provide effective and safe treatment options. They should also stay updated with the latest advancements in tonsil stone removal techniques.
- Reputation and Reviews: Check the clinic’s reputation. Also, read reviews from past patients to get an understanding of other patients’ experiences in the facility. Positive reviews indicate satisfied patients. Also, they can give you confidence in the clinic’s ability to provide quality care. You can check online platforms, such as Google reviews or Healthgrades, for this information.
- Range of Treatment Options: A good ENT clinic should offer a variety of treatment options for tonsil stones. These options can range from conservative approaches like saltwater gargles to more advanced procedures like laser tonsillectomy. The clinic should assess your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment for you.
- Facilities and Equipment: Ensure that the clinic has modern facilities and up-to-date equipment for tonsil stone removal. Advanced equipment can improve the accuracy and effectiveness of treatments. With improved accuracy and effective treatments, you have the best chances of getting better outcomes and a more comfortable experience.
- Consider Cost and Insurance Coverage: You will also want to consider the cost of treatment and whether the clinic accepts your health insurance. Some treatments for tonsil stones may be expensive. So, it’s important to understand the costs involved and explore insurance coverage options. Also, inquire about payment plans or financing options if needed.
The Bottom Line
Ear, nose and throat specialist clinics also help with tonsil stones removal. However, for the best treatment outcomes, you will want to find the best facility. Take your time to compare services and choose a clinic that gives the most priority to your health.
To learn more about tonsil stone removal in Singapore or select a date for your assessment, we welcome scheduling appointments at;
Allergy & Sinus ENT Specialist Centre Head & Neck Surgery Singapore
Dr Soma Subramaniam
MBBCH (IRE), DOHNS(ENG), MMED-ORL(NUS), FRCS-ORL(ENG)
Consultant ENT Specialist and Surgeon
321 Joo Chiat Place
#05-01 Parkway East Specialist Hospital
Singapore 427990
290 Orchard Road
#09-01 Paragon Medical Centre
Singapore 238859
+65 6320 0310
