Journal of Dental Medicine

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Statement of Problem: Tooth extraction is always considered as the final treatment option in dentistry.Considering the numerous advances in dentistry, nowadays the preservation of the permanent teeth until old age is common. However, in most economically poor countries or those without security service insurance,the high rate of extraction, particularly among restorable teeth, is regrettable.
Purpose: The aim of the present study was to determine the reasons for tooth extraction among patients referred to the faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2002.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 patients. The information about patient's general knowledge, oral health status, tooth location and causes of extraction were collected and recorded in a questionnaire. The data were submitted to statistical Chi-Square test.
Results: No statistically significant difference was found between two genders in their mentioned causes for extraction. The most prevalent reasons were as follows: Caries (50%), Periodontal diseases (16.6%). Absence of an acceptable occlusion, prosthetic problems, patient's request, etc... make up the remaining 33.4% of the reasons.
Conclusion: According to this study, it is suggested to investigate extraction etiology at the society level and if similar results are obtained, necessary steps should be taken to prevent caries and periodontal problems as the major mentioned causes for tooth extraction.

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Statement of Problem: Tooth extraction is a common technique in orthodontics and most of the specialists believe that this technique is able to change the facial appearance.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate facial vertical changes in orthodontic patients following tooth extraction.

Materials and Methods: Thirty patients, after their growth spurt, with CLI malocclusion all treated by a specific orthodontist through Edgewise technique along with the extraction of four first premolars were chosen. Lateral cephalograms of patients, before and after treatment were compared and facial vertical changes and teeth were studied.

Results: Anterior and posterior facial heights were increased during treatment. Despite the limited use of intermaxillary elastics, teeth were extruded. The most increase in facial heights was observed in the lower third of face. Patients with longer faces before treatment showed more extrusion of mandibular molars as well as more increase of mandibular slope.

Conclusion: Tooth extraction in orthodontic treatments can not guarantee the decrease or even non-increase of facial height. Among patients with long faces, it is particularly suggested to refrain from the application of extrusive orthodontic forces.

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Background and Aims: Multiple supernumerary teeth are rare and often found in association with syndromes such as Gardner, Cleidocranial dysplasia and cleft lip and palate, with a much less chance for isolated non-syndromic cases. The aim of this study was to report a case with 6 supernumerary teeth without syndromic association.
Case Report: The patient was a 33 year-old female, referred to oral diseases and diagnosis department with chief complaint of sensitivity to cold and hot food in right upper premolar region. Oral examination revealed 5 erupted lingually supernumerary teeth (four in mandibular and one in maxillary premolar region, respectively). Further panoramic radiography clarified an extra impacted tooth in the palatal region of left premolar maxillary area. All extra teeth had been appeared since the age of 17 during one year, as the patient claimed. Medical history and thorough clinical and paraclinical examinations were not significant except for the hypothyroidism, since 5 years ago. No other family member noticed to be the case. Based on our findings, a diagnosis of non-syndromic multiple supernumerary teeth was established.
Conclusion: A thorough examination of each patient presented with supernumerary teeth, including panoramic and intraoral radiographic images may provide valuable information regarding accompanying syndromes and unerupted teeth. Early diagnosis is an essential step for orthodontic or surgical decisions making, preventing or avoiding worsening complications such as malocclusion, adjacent normal teeth delayed eruption or rotation, diasthema, cystic lesions and resorption of contiguous teeth.