Retrospective Analysis of Reasons for Conventional Root Canal Treatment of Permanent Teeth in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To analyse the reasons for conventional root canal treatment of permanent teeth in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who received root canal treatment in the Restorative Dentistry Clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital between January, 2017 and June, 2018. Data of interest garnered were age, gender, tooth root-treated, presenting complaint, primary aetiology and the diagnosis. All data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21.0.

Results: A total of 292 records of 309 rooted-treated teeth were used for the study. A higher proportion of the patients were females. The molars were the most frequently roottreated teeth (47.6%). The most prevalent pathology associated with root canal treatment was a sequela of dental caries (74.4%). Pain was the most common symptom (89.6%) and the most prevalent diagnosis made was acute apical periodontitis (48.2%). A higher proportion of teeth that had sequelae of dental caries and failed root canal treatment were posterior teeth while those predominantly traumatised were anterior teeth (p<0.0001). Pain was reported more in posterior teeth. Irreversible pulpitis, acute apical periodontitis and failed root canal treatment were reported more in posterior teeth while complicated crown fracture and dentoalveolar abscess were more in anterior teeth. A higher proportion of teeth that were traumatised and had failed root canal treatment were maxillary teeth (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: Sequelae of dental caries were the most prevalent pathologies associated with root canal treatment. The molars and the maxillary arch were the most frequently involved, with pain being the most common presenting