Evaluation of Cases for Root Canal Treatment in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria - Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: There is increase in demand and advocacy for root canal treatment. This study evaluated cases planned for root canal treatment in a tertiary
hospital in Nigeria
METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of patients who received root canal treatment. The questionnaire sought information on the socio-demographic
characteristics of the participants, the indication for the endodontic treatment and the teeth to receive endodontic treatment. Digital radiographic technique was used to evaluate
the number of roots and root canals.
RESULTS: A total of 143 patients who received root canal treatment on 162 teeth participated in the study. There was a slight male preponderance with males accounting for
50.3%. More maxillary teeth (58.6%) were root-treated compared to mandibular teeth (41.4%). The central incisors constituted the most frequently root-treated teeth (27.2%),
followed by the first molars (21.0%) and then the second molars (16.7%). In the mandibular arch, the most frequently root-treated teeth were the molars (69.2%), while in the
maxillary arch, the most frequently root-treated teeth were the incisors (46.3%). The most frequently encountered pathologies associated with the root-treated teeth were the
sequelae of dental caries (50.6%), trauma (41.4%) and failed root canal treatment (5.6%). Most anterior teeth suffered trauma while posterior teeth suffered complications of dental
caries and this was statistically significant (P<0.0001).
CONCLUSION: More teeth from the maxillary arch, as well as more posterior teeth than anterior teeth across both arches, were root-treated. Incisors were the most commonly
root-treated teeth in the maxillary arch while the molars were the most commonly root-treated teeth in the mandible with complications of trauma being the leading indications for
root treatment of maxillary anterior teeth while the sequelae of caries were the predominant indications for root treatment of mandibular molars.