Patterns and reasons for tooth extraction at the Winterveldt Clinic: 1998-2002.

BACKGROUND: Tooth extraction is the most common form of dental treatment in developing countries despite significant advances in medicine and dentistry. Dental caries, periodontitis, orthodontics, trauma and prosthodontics are the main reasons for extractions. OBJECTIVE: To determine the patterns of tooth extractions and the reasons for these extractions in a primary care dental clinic attached to a dental training institution. METHODS: A descriptive, retrospective and quantitative study design was followed. Data was gathered from 3793 patient files to record the following variables: age, gender, type of tooth extracted and reason for the extraction. RESULTS: Almost 60% of teeth extracted were lower and upper molars. The main reasons for extractions were dental caries (47.9%) and periodontitis (22.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study show an urgent need to reverse the trends in extractions and more emphasis should be placed on primary prevention in order to reduce tooth loss.