Pattern of Radiographic Changes Associated with Traumatised Anterior Teeth Among Adult Patients in a Tertiary Hospital In Nigeria

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Giving the importance of radiographs in management of traumatic dental injuries, this study was designed to evaluate the periapical radiographic findings associated with traumatized anterior teeth in adults. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study of adult patients with traumatic dental injuries. The data collection instrument was a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire eliciting information on participants’ demographic characteristics, clinical history and radiographic changes. RESULT: A total of 189 patients who presented with a traumatic episode to the teeth participated in this study. Radiographic changes of clinical significance were observed in 50.8% of cases. There was increasing incidence of radiographic changes of clinical significance with increasing age till 50 years and this was statistically significant. A higher proportion (65.2%) of those who presented late had radiographic changes of clinical significance and this was statistically significant. Periapical radiolucency was the most frequent radiographic changes 80.2%). CONCLUSION: It is necessary for every dental trauma case to be evaluated radiographically especially those that present late as there may be concealed injuries that are not clinically detectable on visual inspection and palpation.