Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications at the level of the mandibular angle and ramus in patients attending the Dr. René Puig Dental Clinic of the Pedro Henríquez Ureña National University.

This research deals with the frequency of calcifications in soft tissues in the area of the angle and the mandibular ramus, through the analysis of panoramic radiographs of patients seen at the Dr. René Puig Bentz dental clinic. It was hypothesized that sialolith would be the predominant calcification, contrasting with the possibility that another type of calcification would have a greater presence.
Key findings
The study included 1,500 radiographs , of which 178 (11.87%) evidenced calcifications . A higher prevalence was observed in women (60.9%) , and the group with the highest incidence was located between 51 and 61 years . Regarding the anatomical location, the mandibular angle was the most compromised area (89.33%), with predominance on the right side (45.1%).
When classifying the types of calcifications detected, it was determined that carotid atheroma was the most common (73.03%) , followed by sialolith (20.79%) . Other types of calcifications, such as calcified lymph nodes (2.81%), tonsilloliths (2.25%) and phleboliths (1.12%), appeared in a smaller proportion.
Data analysis
Relationship with gender and age: The higher incidence in women suggests a possible influence of hormonal or metabolic factors. In addition, it was identified that the risk of presenting calcifications increases with age, which could be related to physiological wear and progressive accumulation of calcium salts.
Most affected areas: The predominance in the mandibular angle and the right side could be linked to anatomical particularities and blood flow in the region.
Importance of carotid atheroma: Its high presence indicates a possible relationship with cardiovascular factors, which highlights the relevance of panoramic radiography as a tool for early detection of conditions that go beyond the dental field.
Sialoliths in lower proportion : Although it was initially considered that this would be the most frequent calcification, the results showed the opposite. This suggests that there may be variations in individual factors such as hygiene habits, diet or saliva characteristics that influence its appearance.
Conclusion
The data obtained confirm that panoramic radiographs can play a fundamental role in the early detection of calcifications in soft tissues, allowing not only the identification of dental pathologies, but also of systemic alterations. Given the importance of these findings, it is recommended to reinforce the training of dental professionals in the interpretation of radiographic images to improve the detection and differential diagnosis of these anomalies. In addition, future research could deepen in the predisposing factors and their clinical implications.