Pattern and Clinical Reasons for Dental Extractions in Patients Visiting a Tertiary Health Care Centre in Southern District- Nuh of Haryana, India: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: The causes of tooth extraction exhibit significant geographical and cultural variations between regions within a country and across different countries. To date, no study has been conducted on the pattern of tooth loss in a comparatively socially and economically disadvantaged population in Nuh, Haryana, India. Aim: To analyse the pattern and clinical reasons for tooth extraction in relation to factors such as age and gender among patients visiting the Dental Department of a tertiary care centre in India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Dentistry, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati (SHKM) Government Medical College Nalhar, Nuh, Haryana, India, from January 2017 to December 2019. Data were collected from the available records of patients across different age groups during the period from January 2017 to December 2019. Data on age, gender, reasons for extraction, jaw type and tooth number were recorded. The total number of extracted teeth was used for statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel software. Results: During the study period, 2643 patients underwent tooth extraction, with 1304 (49.33%) being males and 1339 (50.66%) females. A total of 3358 teeth were extracted, with 1382 in males and 1976 in females. The number of teeth extracted was higher in females (58.84%, n=1976) compared to males (41.15%, n=1382). The majority of extractions occurred in the 21-30 years age group, 750 (21.73%) followed by the 31-40 years age group, 663 (19.71%). The most common reason for extraction was dental caries and its sequelae, 2462 (73.34%). The most frequently extracted tooth was the first molar in the fourth quadrant (9.26%) followed by the first molar in the third quadrant (8.72%). Conclusion: Given the paramount importance of first permanent molars, it is concerning to see many young patients losing this tooth in the present study. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among the general population about maintaining oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and treatment. The role of pit and fissure sealants in caries prevention for first permanent molars cannot be overstated.