Radiographic Assessment of Pulp Stone Prevalence in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Radiotherapy

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of pulp stones in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy in comparison to healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Patient records retrieved from the XXXXXX University Dentistry Faculty between the years 2014 and 2022 were selected. Panoramic images of oncologic patients exposed to head and neck radiation, as well as healthy subjects, were included in the study. Radiographies of patients with complicated systemic conditions, edentulous patients, and patients with full-mouth fixed bridges were excluded. The groups were arranged as equivalent to each other in terms of age and gender. The presence of pulp stones in the first and second molar teeth of 124 (Group Radiotherapy (n=62) and Group Control (n=62)) patients was radiographically assessed by two observers. The Chi-square test was employed for statistical analysis of the data. Results: The ratio of pulp stones was found to be significantly higher in the radiotherapy group (50%) (31) as compared to the control group (19.5%) (12) (p