Pattern and causes of tooth extraction in patients reporting to GVPIHC and MT, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Teeth help us in masticatory function, phonetics and aesthetics. Loss of teeth may affect quality of life and has significant socioeconomic, psychological consequences. Its important to analyse the reasons and patterns of tooth loss to know their impact on the remaining dentition and oral health. Thus, the present study was designed to understand the pattern and causes of tooth extraction in a targeted population. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> This retrospective study analysed 972 records of patients who underwent 1092 dental extractions in the department of dentistry at Gayatri Vidya Parishad Institute of Health Care and Medical Technology-Visakhapatnam from January 2021 to December 2021. Various aspects like the causes of extraction, type of teeth extracted, type of dentition involved and site of extraction were evaluated. The collected data was then tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. </p><p><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 1092 extractions were evaluated and noticed only 7% cases involving primary dentition. Caries (65.8%) was the most common cause of dental extractions followed by periodontitis. Majority of extractions were noticed in maxillary posterior region. First molars (27.4%) were often extracted followed by second molars. Least number of extractions involved canine.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Dental caries and periodontitis were the most common causes of dental extraction. Most extractions involved secondary dentition. Maxillary and posterior regions had maximum number of extractions. First molars were commonly extracted followed by second molars. It is necessary to implement preventive dental care programs and improve the oral hygiene awareness in public.</p>