Compliance with Endodontic Therapy at University of Nairobi Dental Hospital

Background: Root canal treatment is the recommended treatment for teeth with irreversible pulpitis. In the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital this takes on average five visits to complete. Compliance with this treatment affects the success of this mode of treatment. Objective: The main objective of the study was to determine the level of compliance to root canal treatment at the University of Nairobi Dental Hospital. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross -sectional study involving one hundred and twenty patients seen in the conservation clinic for the year 2001-2002 and recommended to undergo root canal treatment. Files of the patient were retrieved from the registry and data collection forms were used to gather information. Results: Altogether 55% of the patients were recommended for foot canal complied fully with treatment, 34% showed partial compliance, and 11% did not comply at all with root canal treatment. Factors such as sex and the presenting complaint appear to affect compliance with root canal treatment. Most patient did not return after pain had been relieved at the extirpation stage. Female patients also displayed a higher level of compliance compared to male patents. Conclusion: This study indicates an unacceptable level of compliance to root canal treatment at the University of Nairobi Dental Hospitalin during the study period and underlines need for patient motivation and counseling about importance of carrying through with prescribed root canal treatment.