Aberrant anatomy in endodontically treated teeth in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Objective: The anatomical features of teeth show wide morphological variations. These variations include coronal and radicular aberrations. They are thought to be influenced by age, gender, race and evaluation methods. Therefore, an in-depth knowledge of both normal and unusual dental morphology is vital in the practice of endodontics. The objective of the study was to investigate the incidence of aberrant root anatomy in endodontically treated teeth among adult patients attending the Endodontic unit of a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review of all clinical records of adult patients who attended the Endodontic unit of the Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Edo State, Nigeria from January 2013 to January 2018 for root canal treatment (RCT). The demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the patients' records and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 927 patients, comprising445 (48.0%) males and 482 (52.0%) females (a ratio of 1:1.1) underwent endodontic treatment during the study period. The age range of patients was 18-80 years. The total number of teeth treated was 1016. Aberrant root anatomy was observed in 161 (15.8%) of the studied sample. It was more frequently seen in mandibular 118 (29.9%) than maxillary 43 (6.9%) teeth. Aberrant root anatomy occurred most frequently in mandibular second molars 42 (38.9%) followed by the maxillary first molars 32 (38.1%). These aberrations were observed in the roots and canal numbers of treated teeth while the occurrence of aberrant anatomy was higher in females (9.9%) than males (5.9%). Conclusion: In this study, aberrant root anatomies were mostly observed in mandibular teeth and among female patients. Clinicians should be aware of the existence of wide variations in root form and canal morphology during endodontic procedures. The alertness is helped by the use of Dental operating microscopes or other magnification devices, multiple periapical radiographs with angular cone shift or other contemporary imaging modalities in revealing tooth anatomy that would otherwise be missed

Shade selection practices amongst clinical dental students in South Western Nigeria

Objective: Shade selection is crucial in satisfying aesthetic demands of patients during cosmetic dental treatment. It is important to nurture and evaluate this act in students as future dental professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the understanding and practice of tooth shade matching amongst dental students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in South-Western Nigeria. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was given to clinical dental students to garner information on socio-demographics, knowledge and practice of shade selection. The resulting data were statistically tested using chi-square with p-value ≤ 0.05 indicating significant level. Results: There was 76.5% response rate to the questionnaires with the male subjects accounting for 52.3%. The mean age of participants was 24.2 ± 2.4 years. Majority (40.9%) did not know the ideal time required for shade selection. Most (57.9%) students used visual/manual method in shade selection but 63.6% of these did not know the name of the shade guide used. Majority (80.8%) select the shade before commencing restorative procedure. Less than half (36.4%) of participants performed tooth shade matching in 3 segments (from incisal-third to cervical-third) while 54.5% considered tooth shade as a single uniform colour. Most students, 67.4% had a fair knowledge of shade matching while 13.6% practiced good shade matching technique for restorations/prosthesis. There was a statistically significant difference (p=0.022) between shade selection practice and the clinical training levels of students. Conclusion: The dental students had a fair knowledge about the principles of shade selection but lack the clinical know-how

Endodontic treatment: an analysis of demand by adult patients in a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria

Objective: An increase in dental awareness and need to maintain good oral health, in a growing population will necessitate an increased demand for root canal treatment (endodontic treatment). In emerging economies like Nigeria, the trend appears similar to what obtains in more developed economies where patients are keen on retaining their teeth. The objective was to determine the reasons for endodontic treatment and pattern of demand for treatment among adult patients attending the Endodontic unit of a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria.Methods: A retrospective review of all clinical records of adult patients who attended the Endodontic unit of the Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Edo State, Nigeria from January 2012 to December 2014 for root canal treatment (RCT). The demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the patients' records and analyzed using Results: A total of 485 patients, comprising 226(46.6%) males and 259(53.4%) females (a ratio of 1:1.4) underwent endodontic treatment during the study period. The age range of patients was 18-68 years. In the studied population, the highest demand for endodontic treatment 219(45.2%) was among the 20-29 years age range. The commonest indication for RCT was irreversible pulpitis (48.4%). The total number of teeth treated was 522. More posterior teeth 338(64.8%) were treated than anteriors 184(35.2%). The mandibular first molar 96(18.4%) was the most frequently treated tooth. More maxillary teeth 332(63.6%) underwent RCT than mandibular teeth 190(36.4%).Endodontic treatment was mostly completed in multiple visits 439(84.1%). A total of 279 (57.5%) patients had their treatments covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Out of pocket payments accounted for 40.2% of patients who had endodontic treatment.Conclusion: There was a greater demand for root canal treatment among female and young adult patients. Most of the procedures were performed on maxillary teeth while the mandibular first molar was the most frequently treated tooth

Andodontic treatment: an analysis of demand by adult patients in a tertiary hospital in southern nigeria

Objective: An increase in dental awareness and need to maintain good oral health, in a growing population will necessitate an increased demand for root canal treatment (endodontic treatment). In emerging economies like Nigeria, the trend appears similar to what obtains in more developed economies where patients are keen on retaining their teeth. The objective was to determine the reasons for endodontic treatment and pattern of demand for treatment among adult patients attending the Endodontic unit of a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective review of all clinical records of adult patients who attended the Endodontic unit of the Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Edo State, Nigeria from January 2012 to December 2014 for root canal treatment (RCT). The demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the patients' records and analysed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 485 patients, comprising 226(46.6%) males and 259(53.4%) females (a ratio of 1:1.4) underwent endodontic treatment during the study period. The age range of patients was 18-68 years. In the studied population, the highest demand for endodontic treatment 219(45.2%) was among the 20-29 years' age range. The commonest indication for RCT was irreversible pulpitis (48.4%). The total number of teeth treated was 522. More posterior teeth 338(64.8%) were treated than anterior 184(35.2%). The mandibular first molar 96(18.4%) was the most frequently treated tooth. More maxillary teeth 332(63.6%) underwent RCT than mandibular teeth 190(36. 4%).Endodontic treatment was mostly completed in multiple visits 439(84.1%). A total of 279 (57.5%) patients had their treatments covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Out of pocket payments accounted for 40.2% of patients who had endodontic treatment. Conclusion: There was a greater demand for root canal treatment among female and young adult patients. Most of the procedures were performed on maxillary teeth while the mandibular first molar was the most frequently treated tooth