A retrospective study of endodontic treatment among patients in Southwest Nigeria

Aims: To determine pattern of demand, reasons for root canal treatment (RCT) and survey routine practices of RCT in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja (LASUTH). Methods: A retrospective review of hospital records of patients who had done RCT in Endodontic Unit of Restorative clinic of LASUTH, Lagos State, Nigeria from January 2016 to December 2019. Information on age, gender, ethnicity, tooth treated, indications for treated tooth, obturation techniques, obturation materials, irrigants and intramedicaments used were obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23. Results: A total of 231 patients’ records were retrieved. 220 records had complete data, of which 100 (45.4%) males and 120 (54.5%) females. Age range was 18–86 years while mean age was 38.6 ± 1.47. Highest incidence of RCT (24.1%) was found in 30–39 years age group. Commonest indication for RCT was apical periodontitis 145 (58.9%). Total number of teeth treated was 246. Upper central incisors were 56 (22.8%) which were treated most endodontically. More maxillary 176 (71.5%) teeth underwent RCT than 70 (28.5%) mandibular teeth. Step-back technique 226 (92.3%) was the commonest used. Irrigants frequently used were sodium hypochlorite alternating with normal saline 246 (100.0%). More of calcium hydroxide 201 (81.7%) was utilized as canal medicaments. Gutta-percha was solely used as obturation material and endoseal as sealant in this study. Conclusion: Most of endodontic practices done in this study used conventional preparations and obturation techniques. There was need for community dental awareness to prevent and treat early carious lesions.