Dental caries; its sequelae and treatment among patients in a tertiary hospital in north–western Nigeria: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Dental caries has been the most prevalent dental disease that affect human dentition. Lack of early visitation to the dentist and, awareness could lead to tooth mortality. This study aims to describe the pattern of dental caries, sequelae and, treatment among patients attending the dental clinic of Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital Gusau (YBSH).
 Materials and method: This is a 4year retrospective study conducted at YBSH Gusau. After obtaining ethical approval from the Hospital’s Research and Ethics committee, patients’ case notes from 18 years who were treated for dental caries and sequelae were retrieved. Demographic variables, presenting complaints, the number of carious teeth, frequency of teeth brushing, history of dental visitation, diagnosis and, the treatment offered were also recorded. Data recorded were analyzed using SPSS version 25.
 Result: There were 100 (40.3%) males and 148 (59.7%) females in the age range of 18 –78 years with a mean±SD of 36.4±12.3years. Toothache in 159 (64.1%) was the main presenting complaint and, 168 (67.7%) of the study population visited a dentist for the first time. The majority 212 (85.5%) of the patients brush their teeth once daily. Permanent mandibular first molar 103 (41.5%) was the highest tooth affected by caries and apical periodontitis 66 (26.6%) constitute the majority of diagnoses. Dental extraction 171 (69.0) was the most treatment done.
 Conclusion: Dental caries is a major public health problem that could lead to sequelae with life threatening consequences. Majority of those affected had not visited dentist before and could only afford tooth extraction as their preferred treatment option. Poor access to dental facilities and lack of awareness could have been the barrier to early presentation.