MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study covered a six months period (20th May to 19th November, 2008) in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. All patients whose treatment required tooth extractions and who consented to participate in the research were included in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitude and practice of study subjects to oral health was used to determine aetiology of tooth extraction and type of tooth extracted. Frequencies and proportions were generated and association between discrete variables was done using p-chart test of significance.
RESULTS: In this study 518 (100%) adults and 60 (100%) children were examined and extractions performed. Dental caries accounted for the greatest reason for tooth extractions in adults (72.7%) and children (70.0%) and for almost all tooth types. The permanent first molar was the most frequently extracted tooth in both adults and children. Tooth mortality was higher in females than in males and among urban dwellers than rural dwellers. It was also higher among higher than lower socio-economic group.
CONCLUSION: This study therefore showed that majority had their teeth extracted due to caries and so the government, dental specialties, non-governmental organizations and the big aid agencies should collaborate and articulate a well planned and comprehensive holistic oral health campaign.25-2011-->