Causes of tooth extraction: three years follow-up of two teaching hospitals in Karachi

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to describe the causes on tooth extraction among the general population attending oral surgery outpatient department of two teaching hospitals in Karachi. Demographics of the public and private sector hospitals were compared. Prospective study of a cohort of adults [mean age 33.86 +/- 13.65] who had detailed extraction record and demographic data collected during the previous 3 years [2005 -2007]. The study was carried out at Oral Surgery Outpatient Department Fatima Jinnah Dental College Hospital and at Karachi Medical and Dental College. A total of 24580 subjects from KMDC and 21891 subjects from FJDC were included in the study. The main outcome measures were Chewing habits, education, brushing frequency and brushing timing in relation to tooth loss. The primary causes of dental extraction were dental caries 67.04% [31158], followed by periodontal causes 21.68% [10075] and impacted wisdom teeth 4.64% [2074]. Few extractions were performed in cases in which the patient needed a prosthetic solution 2.63% [1225] or orthodontic treatment 0.28% [130] or due to cosmetic concerns and discoloration 0.05% [26]. Dental carries came out to be the commonest cause of extraction. The results of this study demonstrated the need for policymakers in the country to consider oral health on priority so that people have awareness about the hazards thus leading to reduction of morbidity and tooth loss