CHANGES IN PATIENT AGE AND TOOTH DISTRIBUTION FOR ROOT-CANAL TREATMENT IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL OVER A 15-YEAR PERIOD

This study was undertaken to determine the changing pattern of root ca nal treatment undertaken by undergraduates in a teaching hospital over a period between 1976 and 1990 in terms of the incidence of root cana l treatment, noting particularly changes in the types of tooth treated and in the age distribution of patients receiving treatment. It was f ound that the pattern of provision of root canal treatment has altered in recent years to involve a greater proportion of multi-rooted poste rior teeth. More treatment is also being provided for older patients. The trends are comparable with those that have occurred in general den tal practice.