Prevalence of Soft Tissue Calcifications in Panoramic Radiography: A Retrospective Study

Year 2023, Volume: 1 Issue: 1, 12 - 15, 30.04.2023

Fatma Büşra Doğan , Melda Pelin Akkitap

Abstract

Aim: Soft tissue calcifications in the dentomaxillofacial region are unusual and relatively asymptomatic. They are often found incidentally on panoramic radiographs during routine examination. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications of the dentomaxillofacial region in panoramic radiography in relation to demographic features and localization of the jaws.
Material and method: Panoramic x-ray images of 1000 patients (558 females, 442 males) aged 12-74 years were used in the study. The presence of calcified lymph node, tonsillolith, calcified atherosclerotic plaque, sialolith, phlebolith, anthrolith and styloid ligament calcification were examined. The findings were subjected to statistical analysis to examine the relationship with the gender and age parameters.
Results: While the most common calcification was styloid ligament calcification (8.4%), phlebolith was never found. The most common calcification was styloid ligament calcification (8.4%), followed by tonsillolith (2.1%) and carotid plaque calcification (1.5%).
Conclusion: Soft tissue calcifications are rarely seen on panoramic radiographs. However, when it is encountered, dentists should be able to identify and establish the differential diagnosis of the main soft tissue calcifications in the dentomaxillofacial region, which may be of high importance in patients’ health.

Keywords

Calcification, Soft tissue, Panoramic radiography, Prevalence, Radiology

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