Prevalence of Incidental Radiopacities in Panoramic Radiographs

Abstract

Routine panoramic radiographs often reveal hidden lesions other than those related to the patient's chief complaint [1]. The study aims to determine the prevalence of incidental radiopacities in panoramic views. There are several conditions where calcifications can occur in soft tissue, including major and minor salivary glands, lymph nodes, and blood vessels, such as sialolith, phlebolith, exostosis, dystrophic calcifications, etc. [2]. Interpretation of panoramic radiograph should consider the possibilities of soft tissue calcification super-imposed in bone. Three hundred and sixty (360) panoramic radiographs are included in the study. The prevalence and distribution of radiopacities were documented along with the probable diagnosis. In addition, statistical analysis was done by SPSS software to evaluate the age and gender-related distribution of radiopacities in panoramic radiographs.