Evaluation of First Permanent Molar Extractions Due to Caries in Children

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the first permanent molars extracted due to caries in children and their pre-extraction treatment status. Materials and Method: In this study, 3,432 first permanent molars of 858 patients, aged 7-14 years, were evaluated on panoramic radiographs. Clinical records and patient anamnesis forms were used to determine the current and retrospective status of the teeth. The gender of the patients, the number of first permanent molars extracted or indicated for extraction, localization (jaw/region), the presence or absence of treatment before extraction were recorded. Paired comparisons of the data were evaluated with the chi-square test and significance was found as p<0.05. Results: Fifty-eight (6.8%) of 858 patients (453 girls, 405 boys) had at least one first permanent molars extracted or needed extraction due to caries. There were no statistically significant difference between girls and boys in terms of the frequency of first permanent molars extraction (p=0.918). Tooth extraction frequency was determined as 2.1%. There were no statistically significant differences between upper/lower jaw and right/left region distributions of extracted teeth according to gender (p=0.359, p=0.918). Forty percent of first permanent molars did not receive any treatment before extraction. Conclusion: This study revealed that the first permanent molars that are extracted or needing extraction are substantially not treated. In line with the data obtained, it is seen that children in our society are late in accessing dental services and preventive treatments.

Keywords

• children
• dental caries
• molar
• tooth extraction