Reasons and pattern of first molar extraction - a study

ABSTRACT

The aim of this cross sectional prospective study was to determine reasons and patterns of permanent 1[st] molar extraction in patients reporting to oral and maxillofacial surgery department at Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi. All patients referred to oral and maxillofacial surgery department for extraction of permanent first molar teeth from 1st of January 2009 till 31[st] of December 2009 were included in the study irrespective of their age and gender. The primary reason of extraction was recorded along with other relevant information. The pattern of extractions of the permanent first molars was also noted. A total of 470 patients were included in the study. Out of these 291 [61.9%] were males [M F 1.61]. Caries was the most common cause with 281 extractions [59.8%] in all age groups in both genders followed by periodontitis, which was responsible for 109 [23.2%] of permanent first molar extractions. Mandibular molars were more frequently extracted [62.7%] as compared to the maxillary molars [37.3%], with the mandibular left molar being the most frequently extracted tooth in the sample population