Most Nigerians who have had an experience with dentists in Nigeria often complain about doctors always suggesting extraction which they believe should be the last option.
A Nairalander, identified as Damian457 took to the microblogging platform to share three basic reasons why Nigerian Dentists will rather do extraction than a root canal treatment.
According to him, they are:
1. Cost: The average cost of an anterior teeth root canal is 22k + 35k for crowning and 28k + 35k for posterior teeth in a GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL, Private clinics should be x2 or x3 of the quoted price. For those that don’t know the meaning of crowning it’s a procedure to reenforce the tooth structure after a root canal procedure.
So the question is how many persons can afford to part with over 57k to treat only one tooth when the minimum wage is 33k?? No Government Health Insurance for citizens, The so called NHIS is in shambles, the last time I checked some HMOs in NHIS don’t cover RCT. Payment for Dental care is out of pocket.
Sometimes when you tell patients about the whole root canal procedure they are excited till it gets to money part, some will even be like 57k for just one tooth? Please just remove it.
2. Deteriorated Condition: The first source of help for Nigerian Dental Patients anytime they feel pain is the “Chemist” , some even go to extent of getting dental formulas, powders and concoctions (Mama Agness Dental Formula) to alleviate their pain. Pain is a symptom not a pathology, when you apply those formulas and concoction, the pain may subside but the disease process will continue. Sometimes patient delay in seeking treatment and when they eventually come the tooth is already grossly compromised and are even Retained Roots.
3. Availability of Equipments: We all know healthcare is not a priority in Nigeria. Our hospitals are in shambles and in bad conditions. I will say this without any apology, the only way to get quality medical treatment in Nigeria is via private hospitals if you can afford their fees. Government hospitals are Jokes.
How many governments hospitals have OPG machines? Digital Xray machines or Even functioning dental chairs? How many Nigerians can afford to pay 90-114k per tooth in a Private Clinic to get quality dental care?
The question should be directed to the Government who have kept the citizens in perpetual poverty, with no health care insurance and has made it impossible for them to afford basic life needs.
