Soft tissue opacities are often found by chance during radiographic examinations, especially in panoramic radiography. Because of the diversity of locations and causes, it is easily overlooked by dentists and even radiologists. Even if abnormal calcification is detected, it is difficult to identify its category and clinical relevance. For some soft tissue opacities associated with high-risk diseases, misdiagnosis is likely to delay treatment. Through reviewing the literature and screening the panoramic images from the disease database of West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, this review summarizes and classifies the soft tissue opacities appearing in panoramic images, and discusses the clinical correlation to provide the reference for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of related diseases.
