Method: Retrospective analysis of 30 patients referred for dental implant therapy to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at the University of Connecticut’s School of Dental Medicine was done. Patients were imaged using Hitachi CB MercuRay CBCT machine (120KV, 15 mA and 6, 9 or 12-inch field of view) and panoramic radiographs were obtained using Planmeca machine (70 KV, 16 mA and 14 Secs). CBCT reconstructions and panoramic images were evaluated for the incidence and pattern of calcification. Complete and or partial calcifications were noted and were also segregated based on the most prominent location of the calcification.
Result: 19 patients (63.3%) had calcified SHLs, 10 were female and 9 male. 16 patients were reported to have bilateral involvement. Panoramic radiography was unable to show complete calcification of the ligament in any of the cases, while CBCT showed evidence of complete calcification when present (14 cases).As found in previous studies, this group of patients also showed a female predilection.Panoramic imaging was unable to reliably detect calcification at the hyoid end. CBCT scans were able to reliably show calcification at both the hyoid and styloid process ends.
Conclusion: CBCT was more accurate in determining the pattern and extent of calcification of the stylohyoid ligament in patients undergoing implant treatment planning.