Tooth loss in a sub-urban Nigerian population: causes and pattern of mortality revisited.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the current causes and pattern of tooth loss in Ile-Ife Nigeria.


METHODS
A retrospective review of records of dental extraction patients.


METHODS
The dental hospitals of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital situated in South Western Nigeria.


METHODS
All patients that had dental extractions between January 1996 and December 2002.


METHODS
Patients' case records were analysed for demographics, reason(s) for dental extraction, tooth/teeth extracted, method of extraction and complication(s).


METHODS
Reasons for tooth extraction and the pattern of tooth loss.


RESULTS
6348 (12.3%) of hospital attendees aged 4-102 years (mean 35 +/- 16.8 years) had extraction of 8338 teeth. A statistically significant female preponderance was observed. Dental caries was the leading cause of tooth loss (56.4%) followed by periodontal disease (24.6%). This shows a reversal of a trend reported in a previous study in the same location. Over half (69.2%) of the extracted teeth were molars (mostly mandibular). Only 4.1% extractions were trans alveolar. 3.9% were complicated by dry socket.


CONCLUSIONS
12.3% of the hospital attendees had undergone dental extraction. Despite previous warnings of a steady rise in dental caries, it has become the leading cause of tooth loss in our hospital. The urgent need to institute standardised preventive measures was highlighted.
Oginni
Fadekemi Olufunmilayo
FO
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. aoginni@oauife.edu.ng
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013383:Suburban Population; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology