Evaluation of Styloid Process Calcification in Turkish Population

Objective: The purpose of this study was performed to investigate the prevalence, morphology, and variability of the length of the styloid process (SP) in a Turkish  population and  its relation to gender and age; it also evaluates the side. Method: The study analyzed digital panoramic radiographs of 789 adults retrospectively. The elongated styloid process was classified with radiographic appearance according to the morphology and calcification status.  The styloid process was measured on both side using the measurement toolbars on the accompanying analysis software in digital panoramic radiography. For statistical analysis we used the Student t’s t-test and chi-squared test were used. Result: Out of 789 patients, 558 (58,7%) had not-elongated SP (˂ 30 mm ),  231 ( 41,3%) had elongated SP ( > 30 mm).  The average length of the right styloid was 51,16 ± 1,365mm,  that of left styloid was 48,50 ± 1,303 mm. There were no statistically significant differences in length values of SP between males and females. There were bilateral elongation in 93,1 % patients. Type I elongated styloid were more common than other types. Conclusion: We found a higher prevalence of elongated styloid process in the  Turkish population. Dentists should recognize the existence of morphological variation in elongated styloid process or Eagle syndrome apparent on panoramic radiographs. Type I styloid process was observed more frequently in the population studied.