Prevalence Of Soft Tissue Calcification in Maxillofacial Region By Digital Panoramic Radiographs – A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: The incidental discovery of soft tissue calcifications in the maxillofacial region is common during routine dental imaging. While typically benign, these calcifications can sometimes indicate underlying systemic conditions, necessitating timely identification and intervention. Digital panoramic radiographs (DPRs) provide a comprehensive view of maxillofacial structures and are instrumental in detecting various soft tissue calcifications, such as calcified stylohyoid ligaments, sialoliths, and atheromatous plaques.

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence and distribution of soft tissue calcifications in the maxillofacial region using digital panoramic radiographs.

Objective: To quantify the frequency of soft tissue calcifications across predefined anatomical zones and analyze their types and distributions.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College, and included 1150 DPRs. Each radiograph was divided into twelve zones to systematically evaluate calcification presence. Statistical analysis, including chi-squared testing and multivariate logistic regression, was applied to assess differences in calcification prevalence by zone and type.

Results: The highest prevalence of soft tissue calcifications was observed in Zone 7, with atheromatous plaques in 48.26% of cases, and Zone 11, with phleboliths at a similar rate. Sialoliths were the most common calcification (75.13%), followed by calcified stylohyoid ligaments (72.87%) and tonsilloliths (56%).

Discussion: Consistent with previous studies, these results indicate a significant occurrence of calcifications in certain zones, underscoring the role of DPRs in detecting and evaluating calcification patterns.

Conclusion: DPRs are effective in identifying soft tissue calcifications, aiding in diagnosis and management. Recognizing calcification patterns can improve diagnostic accuracy, patient care, and inform future research on systemic associations