Calcification of the facial artery as a radiographic finding: Report of 6 cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Calcification of the facial artery or Monckeberg´s arteriosclerosis is characterized by the dystrophic calcification of the middle tunic of the artery without affecting other tunics or obstructing the lumen of the vessel, therefore, it does not produce symptoms. Its etiology is still unknown; however, the scientific evidence reports that occur more frequently in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease. It is usually identified as a radiographic finding that appears subtly on maxillofacial images (panoramic or periapical posterior radiographs). The objective of this article is report 6 cases of radiographic finding of calcification of the facial artery, so that the dentist can recognizes this entity and its strong association with systemic diseases so that the patient can be referred opportunely to a specialist and be treated adequately.