ENDODONTIC PATIENTS PROFILE AND EXPERIENCE IN A DENTAL SCHOOL SETTING

The aim of this study was to assess patient s previous experience of endodontic treatment and satisfaction with the present endodontic treatment received in a dental school setting. A questionnaire on previous and present endodontic experience was administered to 83 consecutive patients receiving endodontic treatment between January 2010 and June 2010 in the Department of Restorative Dentistry of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). 82% of the patients seen preferred root canal treatment (RCT) to extraction. 88% were satisfied and rated their treatment and the clinic average to very good. 61.5% reported that they would definitely recommend endodontic treatment to others. 9 (10.8%) patients reported that they would never recommend endodontic treatment. 8 out of the 9 patients experienced pain during the endodontic treatment. Patients expectation of their tooth being preserved by root canal treatment was met by the LUTH dental centre. Patients dissatisfaction with endodontic treatment is associated with a painful experience