Extraction of primary teeth in children: An observational study

Abstract

Background: Very few studies have investigated the reasons for extraction of primary teeth in children. Aim: To investigate the reasons for primary teeth extraction and the tooth type most frequently extracted in children up to 14 years of age. Design: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 337 boys (50.2%) and 334 girls (48.8%) were evaluated. All children who had their primary teeth extracted during the survey period were included. Descriptive statistics were used, including the patient′s age, gender, number of teeth, tooth type extracted, and reasons for extraction. Results: A total of 867 primary teeth were extracted from 671 children. The majority of dental extractions (62.2%) was performed between the ages 6-10 years. Tooth loss was slightly more in boys than in girls (P = 0.77). Dental caries was the most frequent (58.6%) cause of tooth mortality. Extractions due to mobility of teeth, overretention, orthodontic purposes, trauma and failed endodontic treatment were 16.9%, 13%, 7.3%, 3%, and 1.2%, respectively. There were significantly more (P < 0.0001) posterior teeth (67.1%) extractions than anterior teeth (32.9%). The arch distribution of extracted primary teeth was 46.7% in the maxilla and 53.3% in the mandible (P = 0.000). The mandibular primary second molar was the most frequently extracted tooth type (25%). Conclusion: The primary mandibular second molars were the most frequently extracted teeth in children. Dental caries was the principal reason for extraction in children.