Methods: Our study analyzed all endodontically treated permanent teeth that were extracted in a multi-disciplinary clinic in 2006-7 (n=547). Associations among the extractions' indications and the patient's gender, education and smoking status, as well as tooth type and coronal restoration were investigated.
Results: Mandibular (44.6%) and maxillary (20.5%) first molars were the most commonly extracted teeth. Fifteen percent of the extracted teeth were restored with a crown whereas 57.4% of the extracted teeth did not have a permanent coronal restoration. The most frequent reasons for extraction were non-restorable caries (61.4%), endodontic failure (12.1%), VRF (8.8%), and iatrogenic perforation (8.8%). Periodontitis was more prevalent among current smokers than non-smokers (p<0.05). Gender and education had no influence on the extraction of the tooth. VRF was more prevalent in mandibular than in maxillary first molars (p<0.05). Caries was more prevalent in unrestored teeth than coronally restored or crowned teeth (p=0.001). Endodontic failure and VRF were more prevalent in restored than unrestored teeth (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The most common extracted tooth profile was the mandibular first molar without permanent coronal restoration, which was lost due to caries destruction. Post-endodontic coronal restoration can protect teeth from caries. The study reinforced the importance of placing a coronal restoration soon after the completion of the endodontic therapy, and a crown, if needed.