Résumé
Objectives: To determine [a] the frequency of dental caries [b] existing status including the presence of broken down roots[BDRs], missing and filled or unfilled status of permanent mandibular first molar in young adults
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at out-patients clinics of Bahria University Medical and Dental College [BUMDC] from 1stJanuary 2014 to 30th November 2014. The total numbers of subjects were 1529. Out of which 928 were males[60.7%] and 601 were females [39.3%]. The sample was collected through convenience sampling and the performa was designed which comprised of demographic data including age, gender, carious and filled/unfilled status of left and right permanent mandibular molar [36,46] and informed verbal consent was taken
Results: The study findings showed that higher caries incidence was present in left mandibular 1st molar [tooth # 36] as 232 individuals [15.17%] were affected by caries, compared to right mandibular 1st molar [tooth # 46] in which the affected individuals were only 209 [13.66%].Regarding the gender distribution, caries was present more in the males then the females as 179 males had caries and only 125 females were affected. Examined individuals have a better knowledge and awareness about oral hygiene practice as affected individuals were only 304 [19.9%]. Least contribution was of filled teeth probably because of lack of availability of dental services, poor socioeconomic status and high treatment cost
Conclusion:Frequency of dental caries in left and right mandibular first molars in young adults was low with least contribution of filled teeth