More frequent detection of calcified carotid atherosclerotic plaques and mineralized laryngeal cartilages on digital than on film-based panoramic radiographs.

Purpose: To determine whether calcified carotid atherosclerotic plaques (CCAPs) and mineralized laryngeal cartilages (MLCs) were more frequently detected on digital or film-based panoramic radiographs. The clinical relevance of this question is that some radiopacities seen on digital radiographs may correspond to medium-density tissues that are not necessarily mineralized.

Materials And Methods: Data were collected from panoramic radiographs and the respective reports issued by 2 private oral radiology centers.