RESUMO
AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the current reasons for primary teeth extractions in Turkish children and their relative importance. STUDY DESIGN: retrospective evaluation of patients by analysing dental records of children aged 2-13 years, receiving treatment in different regions in Turkey over a period of five years (2007-2012). Patient's age, gender, any significant medical finding, type of tooth extracted and the reason for the extraction were the parameters evaluated. RESULTS: It resulted that 2,508 primary teeth belonging to 1,755 children aged of 2-13 years were extracted. Extraction due to caries (57,4%) was found to be the most common reason. STATISTICS: Chi-square tests were performed for statistical analysis. Although no differences in the types of teeth extracted were observed between genders, striking differences were noted in the different age groups. CONCLUSION: From this study it can be concluded that caries and subsequent pulpal pathology are the most common reasons for extraction of primary teeth in Turkey. Primary molars were the most common tooth type extracted. Preventive programmes for preschool children should be given importance.
