Pattern of presentation and treatment of primary and permanent first molars in a paediatric dental clinic of the Lagos university teaching hospital, Idi-Araba

Abstract

There are limited reports on presentation patterns and treatment options for carious molars in Nigerian children. Such reports are beneficial towards development of protocol on best clinical practices, development and implementation of oral health awareness program for children and caregivers.
Objectives: Assessment of pattern of presentations and treatments of primary and permanent first molars at a Paediatric dental clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
Methodology: A retrospective study utilizing a pretested questionnaire to collate information from case notes of eligible children aged 5 to 15 years. The questionnaire was in 3 parts: Part A on bio-data and socio-economic demographics. Part B on presentation and diagnosis. Part C on treatment plan and restorative options for carious molars. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 20) and significance was set at p <0.05
Results: A total of 90 case notes were assessed, 47 (52.2%) males and 43 (47.8%) females. (M:F ratio = 1.09:1). Mean age was 8.18 years (±1.98). The modal age was 8 years and the commonest age group seen was 7 – 9 years (57.8%). Information on 195 carious molars was retrieved. Pain was the commonest presenting complaint, 62.2%. Periapical radiographs were the diagnostic tools in all the cases. Periapical pathology was observed in 14.1% of cases. Pulp Therapy was carried extraction in 23%. Glass Ionomer Cement was the most frequently used restoration in carious molars, 45(57.7%). Space Maintainers and amalgam restorations were done in 10(12.8%) cases respectively.
Conclusion: Glass Ionomer Cement was the most frequently used restoration in the study, with a minimal number of amalgam restorations. Most patients presented to the clinic only when they had pain. Majority of those that sought dental care for their wards were University graduates.

Keywords: Children, Carious molars, Restorative options