Reasons for Extraction of the Permanent Teeth: A Retrospective Study

Methods: A record of all tooth extractions complied with the treatment plan performed in Ege University Faculty of Dentistry Department of Oral Surgery for 1 year period, was investigated according the radiographic and clinical evaluation retrospectively. The patient’s age and gender, number of teeth extracted, and the reason(s) for the extraction were recorded.

Results: A total of 2,843 extracted teeth in 1,426 patients (1.99 ± 0.11 teeth per patient) were determined. Failures in endodontic treatment and impossibility of retreatment were the main reasons (31.2%) of tooth extraction, followed by periodontal disease and caries (23.3% and 22.6%) respectively. Orthodontic reasons (8.5%) and extraction of the malpositioned third molars (8.0%) were few in number but had significant amounts. Inaccessible root canals were the principal cause for extraction in endodontic treatment failures (32.3%), while inadequate root canal fillings (16.4%) and presence of perforation in root canal or bifurcation (15.5%) had statistically significant values. Although extractions for periodontal reasons were more common for anterior teeth (6,93%), extractions of premolars and molars, as the consequences of unsuccessful endodontic treatment were more prevalent

Conclusions: The data show that failures in endodontic treatments are the principal cause for extractions in overall population, while periodontal disease accounts for the majority of tooth extractions in patients older than 50 years. Furthermore, this study indicates that excessive carious lesions and difficultness of the restorations are no longer reasons for the decision of extraction