Soft tissue calcified in mandibular angle area observed by means of panoramic radiography

The aim of this research is to determine the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications detectable on panoramic radiographs, in the mandibular angle area. 3,028 digital panoramic radiographs taken between June 2009 and June 2011 were evaluated. Soft tissue calcifications found in the mandibular angle area were recorded according to gender, age and bilaterality. Data were analyzed with the Chi squared test and Fisher's exact test, with α< 0.05 being considered statistically significant. The panoramic radiographs analyzed revealed a total of 79 calcifications (2.61%) in 75 individuals, of which 55.7% were women and 44.3% were men. The calcifications found were tonsilloliths (56%), carotid artery calcification (29%), sialoliths (11%), calcified lymph nodes (4%). A statistically significant link was found between being over age 40 with tonsilloliths (p<0.001) and calcifications of the carotid artery (p<0.001). In terms of gender, men had a higher likelihood of tonsilloliths (p=0.007). Conclusions There is a low prevalence of soft tissue calcifications detectable on panoramic radiographs, which increases with age.