An Update on Demand and Pattern of Root Canal Treatments in a Clinical Setting in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

There have been a growing number of patients demanding root canal treatment to save their teeth. This study aimed to determine the pattern of demand and treatment need for root canal treatments at a tertiary healthcare facility in Lagos, Nigeria and update the dental literature with the demand and pattern of root canal treatments as seen in Nigeria. This was a retrospective study. Data from 8239 patients treated at restorative dental clinic, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital from 2011 through 2014, were reviewed. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 26. Association between categorical variables was assessed using Chi square test. Significance level was set at p<0.05. Nine hundred (900) patients age 18 to 79 years (Mean ± SD 38.95±9.4) of which 542 (60.2%) were male and 358 (39.8%) female received root canal treatment involving 1256 teeth. More male patients demanded for root canal treatment but treatment need was greater in female patients and increased with age. Demand for root canal treatment was more prevalent in those < 40 years of age. Central incisors were the most frequently root filled teeth in the maxilla and this was statistically significant (p=0.002). In the mandible, first molars were the most frequently root filled teeth however, this was not statistically significant (p=0.093). Findings in this study corroborate those of several other studies in Nigeria. However, unlike other Nigerian studies, this study noted a greater need for root canal treatment in female patients compared to male patients.