Identifying Carotid Artery Atheromas on Pantomographs

These routine dental radiographs may help clinicians recognize calcified buildups that can signal the need for medical referral.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After reading this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Describe atherosclerotic processes involving the carotid artery, and the dental professional’s role in identifying this condition.
2. Explain how dental panoramic imaging can be used in the detection of calcified carotid artery atheromas, and its controversial role in diagnosing these lesions.
3. In the context of carotid artery atheromas, discuss related consequences and complications of arterial stenosis.

This course was issued in the September 2017 issue and expires 9/30/20. The authors have no commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. This 2 credit hour self-study activity is electronically mediated.