Prevalence of carotid artery calcifications detected on panoramic radiographs and confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography: Their relationship with systemic conditions.

Context: Atherosclerosis affects large and medium caliber arteries by forming calcific atheromas, precursors of cerebral vascular disease. Diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hypertension are considered as risk factors of atherosclerosis. Panoramic radiographs can display images suggestive of carotid artery calcifications (CACs).