ABSTRACT
Background: Third molars extraction is one of the most common surgical procedures in daily dental practice.However, the reasons for extraction varies in the literature. Objectives: The primary objective of this study wasto investigate the reasons for the extraction of third molars. The secondary objectives were to evaluate if patientand dentist- related factors affect the reasons for extraction. Methodology: A questionnaire was completed byhealth care providers in four dental centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 195 patients (118 females and 77males), who had their third molars extracted (n=227) were included in this study. Statistical analysis wasperformed using Fisher’s exact test. Results: Caries (42.3%) and prophylaxis (39.2%) were the most commonreasons for the extraction of third molars. Extraction for prophylactic reasons was significantly higher amongfemale patients and patients younger than 40 years old (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Furthermore, thedecision to extract for prophylactic reasons was significantly higher among specialists or consultants ascompared to students, interns or residents (74.0% vs. 26.0%; p<0.001). No difference was found betweenmaxillary and mandibular third molars extraction. Conclusion: This study identified caries and prophylaxis asthe most common causes of third molars extraction. It was also found that patients' age, gender, as well as dentists'qualification were factors influencing the reasons for extraction.