Radiographic evaluation of tonsilloliths in digital panoramic radiography – An institutional-based retrospective study

Background: Tonsilloliths/tonsillitis are calcifications that can be found in the lymphoid tissues of the posterior nasopharyngeal wall and the palatine tonsil. The majority of tonsilloliths are tiny, asymptomatic, and are typically discovered by accident during routine dental radiography. Objective...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology 2023-10, Vol.35 (4), p.572-576
Main Authors: Gujjar, Sowmya, Aggarwal, Ashish, Upadhyay, Nitin, Rathore, Ankit, Bisht, Jyoti, Astekar, Madhusudan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age composition
calcification
Lymphoid tissue
mandible
orthopantomographies
palatine tonsil
panoramic radiography
Population studies
Radiography
Tonsillitis
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Summary:Background: Tonsilloliths/tonsillitis are calcifications that can be found in the lymphoid tissues of the posterior nasopharyngeal wall and the palatine tonsil. The majority of tonsilloliths are tiny, asymptomatic, and are typically discovered by accident during routine dental radiography. Objective: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of tonsilloliths in digital panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: The study population showed the presence of tonsilloliths in 400 out of 1000 digital panoramic radiographs screened. Results: Gender distribution of tonsillitis showed 66.5% female and 33.5% male patients. The age range was between 21-69 years with 41–50 years showing a maximum of 25% tonsilloliths. They were found unilaterally in 236 and bilaterally in 164 subjects. The most common location was in the bottom third of the mandibular body (61%), with more tonsillitis on the right side. Females had 44.4% more tonsilitis present unilaterally. The association of tonsilloliths between different age groups revealed highly significant values for the presence, quantity, and side involvement. Conclusion: Tonsilloliths are a frequent incidental finding in radiographs. They can be more easily found using panoramic radiography.
ISSN:0972-1363
0975-1572
DOI:10.4103/jiaomr.jiaomr_255_23