RESUMO
PURPOSE: Computed tomograms of the mandibles of 285 patients with indications for dental implants were evaluated at a private clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved the evaluation of 285 cone-beam computed tomograms of patients 50 to 75 years of age who were referred to the clinic for the evaluation for implant placement images with visible C3 and C5 vertebrae that were obtained using the same I-Cat tomographic device (Imaging Sciences-Kavo, Hatfield, PA). Atheromas in the carotid space were visualized using paraxial images. RESULTS: Data were analyzed using Student t and χ2 tests, with a significance level of a P value less than or equal to .05. Atheromas in the carotid space were observed in 17.89% of patients; a significant difference in the incidence of atheromas was observed between men (24.27%) and women (14.29%; P = .034). However, no significant correlation was found between the frequency of occurrence of atheromas and the affected side of the carotid bifurcation (right or left) in women (P = .431) or men (P = .558). CONCLUSION: Based on these results, cone-beam computed tomography could be a useful tool for the diagnosis of atheroma.
