1. A method of detecting carotid artery calcification in a panoramic dental radiograph, comprising: imposing a filter between an x-ray radiation beam source and an imaging medium, wherein the imposing attenuates the effect of the incident x-ray in the region of the carotid artery; obtaining a panoramic dental radiograph while imposing said filter, wherein said imposing enhances the contrast of said radiograph in the region of carotid artery; and detecting a calcification region in the area of the radiograph wherein the x-ray image's contrast has been enhanced by using said filter, and which area corresponds with the location of the carotid artery.