Tooth Extraction in Dental Practice

The primary aims were to study reasons for tooth extraction and explanatory factors of normative and perceived need for replacement. The study is based on nation-wide cross-sectional surveys in 1968, 1988 and 1998. A systematic random sample was drawn in 1998 to give 40% of dentists in Norway; collecting demographic and treatment data on 772 dentists, 1,164 patients, 1,495 teeth and 987 radiographs. In a time-trend perspective, all age groups experienced a decrease in extractions due to caries in 1968-88 while no change was found during 1988-98. The proportions of extractions due to periodontal diseases have remained stable during 30 yrs. Tooth type and number of teeth extracted were the most important predictors of the dentists recommending a replacement. Demographic characteristics had no effect on the dentists' decision. 47% of the patients reported that a replacement was necessary while 16% were undecided. Patient and dentist agreed about the need for a replacement in 62%. Tooth type, service sector, number of teeth extracted and number of remaining teeth affected the likelihood of agreement about need for the replacement of teeth.