Reasons of Primary and Permanent Teeth Extraction in a Sample of Syrian Children Aged 3–12 Years

Abstract

Background and aim of the study: Determination of factors causing teeth extraction is critical for countries to take the necessary precautions while establishing their health policies. The current study aimed at identifying common causes of primary and permanent teeth extraction and the most frequent tooth type extracted among Syrian children aged 3–12 Years.

Materials and methods: 583 children attending the admissions department at Collage of Dentistry, Syrian Private University during the 2018-2017 academic year were examined. Their ages ranged from 3 to 12 years. Out of whom, 168 children were recruited for this study when extraction was indicated. Any child who was medically compromised, having neoplastic lesions, or came without their parents were excluded. Considering the long range of patients' ages, they were divided into three age categories as follows: 3-5.99, 6-8.99, 9-12 years. All needed information (age, sex, medical history, type of tooth extracted, and cause and date for extraction) was recorded and analyzed.

Results: During the study period, 208 teeth were extracted from 168 children for different causes. Most patients had one tooth extracted. The highest percentage of extraction was for the age category of 6-8.99 years and the age category of 9-12 years old. The first primary molar registered the higher value as an extracted primary tooth type, while the first permanent molar revealed the higher value in comparison with other permanent teeth to be extracted. Periapical problems were the main reason for tooth extraction (47.95% for primary teeth and 56.76% for permanent teeth).

Conclusions: The first molar was the most commonly extracted tooth in both primary and permanent teeth, and periapical problems were the major cause for primary and permanent tooth extraction in Syrian children. These findings would call attention to comprehensive dental educational programs to overcome this problem.