Appraisal of dental X-ray requests and findings in a northern Nigeria healthcare facility

Background: Research in dental radiography has been a neglected area hence the aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic yield from dental X-rays in a northern Nigeria healthcare facility. Methods: This study was carried out at the dental department of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi from June 2016 to February 2017. All radiographs were interpreted by certified dentists and radiologists and findings were documented. Results: A total of 335 dental X-rays were assessed. Chronic periapical periodontitis was the highest finding (n=72, 21%), followed by irreversible pulpitis (n=42, 12.5%), and dental caries (n=37, 11%). Conclusion: We observed that periapical X-rays was the commonest request. Chronic apical periodontitis, irreversible pulpitis, and dental caries, were found to be the most prevalent dental problems in the region.