A retrospective diagnostic study of prevalence of orofacial calcifications using panoramic radiograph: To insinuate the unseen

Abstract

Background The prevalence of calcifications in the head and neck region has long been observed and has a strong value of presaging systemic illness. The observations of such calcifications in routine panoramic radiographs (PR) demands keen follow-up and health check-up of patients. In developing countries, the use of routine panoramic radiographs is a common one owing to its cost effectiveness and feasibility. Thus, knowledge of prevalent calcifications and the ability to diagnose it while correlating with possible systemic condition is mandatory. This article is primarily about the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in head and neck region while emphasising the clinical importance. Material and Methods A total of 22,000 panoramic radiographs were included after adapting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the included radiographs were examined using Dentsply Sirona Sidexis 4 Dental imaging software in full screens. Results A total of 22,000 PRs were analyzed, of which 7,832 were male and 14,168 were female. The age range of patients included were from 6 to 88 years with a mean of 41 years ± 11.4 years standard deviation. Of the analyzed PR’s, a total of 1228 calcifications were found in 1041 (4.731%) patients which comprised of 497(6.34%%) calcifications in male and 731 calcifications in female (5.159%). From which, 16 different soft tissue calcifications were reported while stylomandibular ligament calcification being the most reported one. Conclusions Panoramic radiographs is yet an essential diagnostic tool, as a dentist our role in diagnosing systemic conditions is inevitable. A high prevalence of calcifications demands thorough examination of radiographs on routine. Early detection od calcifications ensures prevention of further progression of disease. Key words: Orofacial calcification, panoramic radiography, atherosclerosis, dystrophic calcification.