The relationship between diabetes and carotid artery calcifications detected via dental cone-beam computed tomography in patients undergoing implant treatment planning

Background: The authors investigated the association between carotid artery calcifications (CACs) detected incidentally on dental cone-beam computed tomographic scans and positive diabetes status. Methods: Two patient groups were identified retrospectively from a patient database: positive for CACs based on cone-beam computed tomographic scans and positive diabetes status. In addition to demographic characteristics, data including diabetes status and presence, type, and absence of CACs were obtained. A χ² statistical analysis was completed by means of dividing the data into sets of known CAC and known history of diabetes; significance level was P < .05. Results: To satisfy the a priori power analysis, records from 2010 through 2021 were used. For the positive CAC group, data were obtained from 288 patients (171 men, 117 women) and 68 patients (24%) had a positive diabetes status at the time of cone-beam computed tomography (P < .001). There were significantly more male patients (n = 47) than female patients (n = 21) with diabetes (χ² = 9.9; P = .002). For the positive diabetes group, data were obtained from 225 patients (149 men, 76 women), and 100 patients (44%) had an identifiable CAC. There were significantly more male patients (n = 73) than female patients (n = 27) with CAC (χ² = 21.2; P < .001). Conclusions: There was a significant relationship to diabetes for patients with CACs, indicating potential undiagnosed diabetes. Male patients with diabetes are significantly more at risk of developing CACs. Practical Implications: People with CAC may be at risk of having undiagnosed diabetes and require heightened awareness during implant treatment planning.