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Childhood tooth extraction is widespread in developing nations especially in sub-Saharan African owing to high prevalence of oral diseases in the population. Purpose of this study is to analyze the reasons and pattern of tooth extraction among children from Northwest Nigeria. Case records of children <14 years seen at the dental clinic of the Federal Medical centre, Gusau, Zamfara state between January 2011 and December 2012 were retrieved from the Medical Records Department and analyzed for analyzed for gender, age, indication for extraction and tooth/teeth extracted. A total of 181 teeth were extracted in 127 patients (1.4 extractions per patients) over a 2 years study period. There were 66 (51.9%) males and 61 (48.1%) females (M:F = 1.08:1). Dental caries and its sequelae 141 (77.9%) was the leading aetiology for tooth extraction followed by trauma 24 (13.3%). Permanent teeth 121 (66.9%) were twice frequently extracted than primary teeth 60 (33.1%). Mandibular teeth 112 (61.9%) were more commonly extracted than maxillary teeth 69 (38.1%). Posterior teeth 115 (63.5%) extractions nearly double that of anterior teeth 66 (36.5%). First permanent molar extraction predominates 51 (28.1%). Majority of the extractions occurred in the 6-9 years age group 96 (53%). Mandibular posteriors constituted the principal teeth removed in the 6-9 years and 10-13 years age groups. In contrast, maxillary anteriors were the main teeth extracted in the younger age group of 0-5 years. For maxillary anteriors trauma was the highest indication for tooth extraction. In conclusion, dental caries and its sequelae was the primary reason for tooth extraction in the study across all age groups and trauma accounted signifi cantly for removal of maxillary anteriors. Thus, there is a need to critically embark on public enlightenment campaign on preventive oral health.

Aim: Prophylactic surgical extraction of impacted third molars is a common practice throughout the world justified on the presumption that the risk of surgical morbidity increases with increasing age, among other reasons. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare surgical morbidity associated with third-molar extractions in young and aging populations. Methods and Materials:A review of records for all patients who underwent the surgical extraction of impacted third molars between April 2001 and June 2006 at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital was carried out.Results: A total of 506 patients had surgical extractions of impacted third molars under local anaesthesia during the period of the study. Of these, 470 (92.9 percent) patients were below the age of 40 years (Group A) and 36 (7.1 percent) patients were 40 years of age and older (Group B). No incidences of severe intraoperative complications (excessive bleeding or mandibular fractures) were recorded in either group, but other postoperative complications were reported in 70 (13.8 percent) patients. Of these 70 patients, 65 (92.9 percent) were from Group A and 5 (7.1 percent) were from Group B, and their complications included infected socket, dry socket, paraesthesia, and buccal space abscess. Conclusions:No significant difference in postoperative complications following surgical removal of mandibular third molars was found between patients 40 years old and greater and those below age 40. Prophylactic surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars, based on the assumption that surgical morbidity increases with age, may not be justifiable.Clinical Significance: Age does not predispose patients who had surgical extraction of mandibular third molars above 40 years of age to any additional surgical complications when compared to patients below the age of 40 years receiving comparable treatment.