Pattern of Tooth Extraction and Use of Space Maintainers in Paediatric Dental Patients in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja

Abstract

The primary dentition is essential in the maintenance of normal occlusion in the permanent dentition. Both dentitions enhance aesthetic, speech and are functional in nature. Early loss of the primary dentition necessitates the placement of space maintainers. This study determined the pattern of tooth extraction of patients attending the paediatric dental clinic in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja and the use of space maintainers. A retrospective study carried out using the dental records of patients who attended the Paediatric dental clinic, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20 (IBM, New York). The prevalence of tooth extraction was 49.8% among a population of 410 subjects with a total of 353 extracted teeth. The male to female ratio was 1:1.37. Majority (58.3%) of the subjects had only one tooth extracted. The commonest reason for extraction was retained primary teeth (35.8%). The commonest arch and segment of extraction was the mandible (56.1%) and the anterior teeth (51.0%). The commonest tooth extracted was upper right primary central incisor (7.6%). The most common space maintainer was band and loop. Retained teeth was the most common reason for tooth extraction followed by sequelae of dental caries, caries and trauma. This highlights the need for implementation of oral health prevention policies with regards to the use of fluoride, fissure sealants, silver diamine fluoride increased awareness of safety protocols to mitigate traumatic injuries and introduction of dental health education programs in schools and community.