Various reasons for permanent tooth extractions in a Caribbean population--Antigua.

A study was undertaken in September 1990 to investigate the reasons for permanent tooth extractions in Antigua. Eight out of 10 dentists on the island were requested to record permanent tooth extractions, including tooth type and reasons for extraction, during a 6 week study period. All 8 dentists provided data which indicated that 471 teeth were Extractions for orthodontic and impaction reasons comprised 4.3 per cent of tooth extrac-irregularly attending dental services. The principle reason for extractions was caries (61.6 per cent). Periodontitis (29.9 per cent) was the next most frequent reason for extractions and it became the predominant indication for tooth loss after 40 years of age. Extractions for orthodontic and impaction reasons comprised 4.3 per cent of tooth extraction, but these causes disappeared after 30 years of age. Restorable teeth were not commonly removed. The tooth types most frequently extracted due to caries were lower first molars and upper molars. Most commonly extracted, periodontally involved teeth were lower central incisors and upper third molars.