Prevalence of carotid and pulp calcifications: a correlation using digital panoramic radiographs

To compare the prevalence of pulp calcification with that of carotid calcification using digital panoramic dental radiographs.

Digital panoramic radiographs of patients at a dental oncology clinic were included if (1) the carotid artery bifurcation region was visible bilaterally and (2) the patient had non-restored or minimally restored molars and/or canines. An endodontist evaluated the images for pulpal calcifications in the selected teeth. An oral and maxillofacial radiologist independently evaluated the same images for calcifications in the carotid bifurcation region. Odds-ratio and Pearson chi(2) were used for data analysis. Presence of pulpal calcification was also evaluated as a screening test for the presence of carotid calcification.

A total of 247 panoramic radiographs were evaluated. 32% (n = 80) had pulpal calcifications and 25% (n = 61) had carotid calcifications with 12% (n = 29) having both carotid and pulp calcifications. A significantly higher prevalence of both pulp and carotid calcification was found in subjects older than age 60 years compared to younger age groups. Accuracy of pulpal calcification in screening for carotid calcification was 66.4%.

Both pulp and carotid calcifications were more prevalent in older individuals. The presence of pulp calcification was not a strong predictor for the presence of carotid calcification.