Prevalence and Radiological Characteristics of Styloid Process Calcifications in Panoramic Radiographs of Dominican Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and radiological characteristics of styloid process calcifications in panoramic radiographs of Dominican individuals from 2021 to 2025. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study using 7,915 panoramic radiographs of adults. Mineralization of the styloid process was assessed using the O'Carroll method, and the morphology was classified according to the Langlais classification. Two trained and calibrated radiologists made all measurements. Inter- and intraobserver agreement was evaluated using the κ index. Statistical analysis included Fisher's exact test and binomial logistic regression, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 25% (n = 1,984) of the population exhibited calcifications, with no significant association with sex. Bilateral calcifications were more prevalent, occurring in 74.9% (n = 1,483) of the cases. Partial calcification was more common in women, whereas elongated and segmented patterns showed significant differences between the sexes. Additionally, age was found to increase the risk of calcification; specifically, for each additional year of age, the risk of calcification increases by a factor of 1.017 [confidence interval (CI): 1.014-1.021]. Conclusion: Calcifications of the styloid processes are common among the Dominican population. Careful radiographic evaluation is essential, even for asymptomatic individuals, due to its significance in the differential diagnosis of orofacial pain, cervical pain, and Eagle syndrome. Clinical significance: This study provides updated epidemiological evidence within the Dominican context and contributes to the increasing body of knowledge, laying a foundation for future research that connects radiological findings with clinical manifestations.