Tooth Extraction Reasons at the Southern Region of Syria

Objective: to assess and investigate the essential reasons for the teeth extraction of the permanent dentition, among Syrian population. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 1235 patients From the southern region of Syria (568 males and 667 females; 10-85 years of age) all of them attend the clinics of international university for science and technology- College of Dentistry. The subjects were examined clinically to assess the essential reason for extraction. Information about personal data, regular visit frequency, and oral health knowledge and behaviors, were gathered by an interview using a structured written questionnaire. Results: regard to the declared frequency of visits to the dentist, slightly prevailing 54.9% were those with an irregular history of visits. The principal reason for a tooth extraction was caries 53.4% (p=0.05). Furthermore, 5.7% of the patients did not have any previous endodontic treatment prior to extraction. According to the position of the teeth, the most frequently extracted were the first permanent molars 25.3%, while The lower anterior teeth were extracted mostly because of periodontitis, which was also the reason for 45+ age-group 8.7% (p=0.07). the first premolars in the younger- age groups was extracted exclusively for orthodontic reasons. Conclusion: These findings suggest that extensive carious is the most prevalence reason for extractions, therefore improving the systematic community-oriented oral health promotion programs is needed.