Prevalence of Soft Tissue Calcification in Orthopantamograph

Abstract

Introduction: Soft tissue calcifications are categorized into dystrophic, metastatic and idiopathic calcifications. The current aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in head and neck region using digital dental panoramic radiography. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study with digital panoramic radiographs of 500 dental patients who visited the Oral Radiology department from November 2018 to January 2019 were analyzed for soft tissue calcifications. Results: The most common soft tissue calcification identified were submandibular sialolith 37.5%, followed by 25% of calcified stylohyoid ligament, 12.5% of phlebolith and 12.5% of  tonsillolith 12.5% Carotid artery Calc  ification Conclusion: The prevalence of soft tissue calcifications was low which increases with age. Soft tissue calcification occurs more common in male than in female. Once a soft tissue calcification is diagnosed incidentally in a routine dental radiograph it can aid in prevention of the disease.