Abstract

VOLCHANSKY, A; CLEATON-JONES, PE; EVANS, WG  and  SHACKLETON, JL. Patterns of previous tooth loss in patients presenting at five different types of dental practice. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2016, vol.71, n.2, pp.70-74. ISSN 0375-1562.

INTRODUCTION: In an Orthodontic and a Periodontal practice the most frequently missing teeth were the third molars followed by the mandibular M1 and the maxillary PM1. OBJECTIVE: To record the incidence of absent teeth/ missing teeth amongst patients attending differing dental practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data recording age, gender and missing teeth (jaw and side) were drawn from the records of the initial consultations of patients attending five practice types: orthodontic (n 194), periodontal (n 202), prosthodontic (n 137), general dental practice (n 115) and Oral Hygiene Clinic (n 156). Excluded were patients under age 20 and those attending for oral medicine consultation (no dental charting. RESULTS: Mean ages (group, sd) ranged from 34.7y (orthodontic 9.8y) to 50y (prosthodontic 12.2y). Jaw side had no effect on missing teeth in any group (Z test). M3 were the most frequently missing teeth, followed by maxillary PM1, mandibular 1, PM1 and PM2. Age in decades effected the most dominant influence, followed by Practice Group, with gender having a weak effect on M3 data (linear logic analysis). CONCLUSIONS: Molars and premolars were the most frequently absent teeth. Different dental patient populations experience differing patterns of tooth loss, although the reasons are not readily identified.

Keywords : Missing teeth; practice type.

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