An Appraisal of Early Loss of First Permanent Molar in Children: A Clinic Based Study.

Abstract

Background: The loss of first permanent molars (FPMs) in children is an important clinical concern due to their role in dental occlusion and function. Dental caries remains the most frequently cited cause of tooth loss.

Methods: A retrospective cross sectional descriptive study of 311 children; 158 males and 153 females. Their sociodemographic and clinical informations over a 2 year period were retrieved with the aid of the clinic daily attendance record book and case note records.

Results: Mean age of the sample population was 8.56±3.16 years. The prevalence of FPM extraction was 64.2%. A total of sixty-six FPMs of children with a mean age of 12.74±2.06 were extracted in all and forty five (68.2%) of these extractions were done in males. More FPM extraction was done in the lower jaw, and the lower right quadrant was the prevalent. The predominant cause of these enforced extractions of FPM was caries and its sequelae.

Conclusion:  Caries is the commonest reason for FPM loss and males are more susceptible. These extractions are done more in older children and adolescents, and the lower right quadrant is the most prevalent side.