Ankur G. Shah
Aims and objectives: Loss of teeth may have deleterious effects on physical as well as psychological well-being of an individual. The present study is aimed at analysing the various reasons for extractions of permanent teeth in patients attending dental department of a medical institute in western part of India. Materials and methods: Patients in the age group of 15 to 84 years and undergoing extraction of permanent teeth in outpatient dental section of GMERS Medical College, Valsad, Gujarat between June and December of 2017 were included in the study. The cause for extractions was categorized as follows: (1) Dental caries; (2) periodontal disease; (3) trauma; (4) Prosthetic reason; (5) Orthodontic treatment; (6) Failed endodontic treatment; and (7) impaction. The patients were divided into 7 age groups (15-24; 25-34; 35-44; 45-54; 55-64; 65-74; 75-84 years). Results: A total of 869 teeth were extracted in 615 patients. 50.51% teeth were extracted due to dental caries and 38.43% teeth due to periodontal disease. Trauma and prosthetic reason accounted for 2.19% and 5.52% of teeth lost, respectively. Pericoronitis was the cause for extraction of 3.11% teeth. Nearly half of teeth (53.7%) were extracted due to dental caries in the patients less than 45 years of age (15-44 years group). Periodontal disease accounted for 81.4% of extractions in patients who were 45 years or older (45-84 years group). First molars were the most commonly extracted teeth (19.4%) followed by third molars (16%). Conclusion: Dental caries and its sequelae is the main reason for the extractions of permanent teeth followed by periodontal disease. As the age increases, periodontal disease becomes more important reason for tooth loss.