Prevalence of pulp stones in patients with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of pulp stones in individuals diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) using digital panoramic radiographs. Additionally, the study investigated the potential association between these systemic conditions and the presence of pulp calcifications. METHODS: A total of 400 individuals aged 35–70 years were categorized into four equal groups: CVD only, DM only, both CVD and DM, and systemically healthy controls. All archived panoramic radiographs were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of pulp stones. Their distribution was recorded by tooth type, jaw location, and side. Group comparisons were conducted using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of pulp stones was 59.5% (n = 238). The highest prevalence was observed in the healthy control group (69%), followed by the CVD + DM group (65%) and the CVD group (60%), with the lowest prevalence in the DM group (44%). Although differences among groups were statistically significant (p = 0.002), these did not indicate a consistent association with systemic conditions. No significant associations were observed regarding anatomical parameters such as jaw (maxilla/mandible), tooth type (first/second molar), or side (right/left). CONCLUSIONS: Although significant intergroup differences were detected, pulp stone prevalence was not elevated in patients with CVD or DM compared with healthy individuals. These findings suggest that pulp stone formation may be multifactorial and not solely determined by systemic conditions. Further research involving larger and more heterogeneous populations is warranted to clarify the potential etiological role of systemic diseases in pulpal calcification.