DOI: 10.36347/sjds.2016.v03i11.002

Pages: 300-303

Abstract: Dental diseases are major public health problem in developing world which can be prevented and treated if diagnosed early. In developing world preservative treatments such as restorations, endodontic treatments are expensive for economically marginalized communities and extractions may be the easier alternative in terms of finance and time. This study was designed to understand the causes and patterns of extraction of permanent and deciduous teeth in relation to socio – demographic conditions in Sri Lanka. A cross sectional descriptive study was undertaken in three public dental clinics in Kurunegala, Matale, Polonnaruwa districts of Sri Lanka. Patients who has undergone tooth extraction during the period of 23th July 2016 to 06th August 2016 at above institutions were included to the study. The data were recorded by interviewing the dentist and patients using a questionnaire form. Efforts to preserve more natural teeth of the population should focus on the prevention and treatment of caries and periodontal diseases. Besides the preventive measures, dental education programmes for the population together with dental professionals needs to be implemented, in the purpose of improving oral hygiene and insisting on conservative therapy than extraction.