Vol. 10, Issue 2, Part E (2024)

Abstract: Dental extraction also known as tooth extraction or exodontia; is the removal of a tooth from the dental alveolus in the alveolar bone. A retrospective study was carried out to ascertain the various reasons for tooth extractions among patients at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Data was obtained using a datasheet, and the data was sourced solely from the hospital's records department. A total of twelve (12) different causes were recorded for 16136 cases of extraction used for the study out of the 81160 patients that attended the clinic in the year 2015 -2022, which comprises of dental caries 2740 (16.98%), periodontal diseases 2632 (16.31%), tooth impaction 1305 (8.09%), dento alveolar abscess 1460 (9.05%), irreversible pulpitis 863 (5.35%), pericoronitis 1201 (7.44%), tooth fracture 1229 (7.62%), retained root 1748 (10.83%), tooth mobility 1073 (6.65%), Ludwig angina 41 (0.25%), supernumerary 860 (5.33%), overcrowded teeth 964 (5.97%) and other causes 20 (0.12%). Among the 16136 cases, males were 7547 (46.75%) and females were 8589 (61.13%). The age group mostly affected was 16-30 year with cases accounted for 5220 (32.35%). The data analyzed further revealed that the most extracted tooth was the first molar 3967 (24.58%). The test statistic value Zc = -12585.63 was gotten against Zt = -1.96 or +1.96. The result of the decision rejected the Ho and accepted the Ha; which indicates that there are significant reasons for tooth extraction among patients. The study found that dental caries, and periodontal disease are the primary causes of tooth extractions. To prevent these issues, good oral hygiene, more screening procedures and improved accessibility to oral healthcare facilities are needed. Increasing awareness campaigns on preventing dental caries and assessing and treating periodontal disease is also crucial. Further research should consider non-dental and nonmedical variations leading to tooth extraction.