Hong Kong dentists’ concerns on extraction of periodontally-involved teeth

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the concerns and views of Hong Kong dentists on the extraction of periodontally-involved teeth and the decision-making of extraction and subsequent teeth replacements.

Methods:

Survey questionnaires were mailed to a systematic random sample of 648 Hong Kong practicing dentists. The questionnaire covered dentists’ background information, clinical assessment undertaken and crucial factors considered prior to extraction of periodontally-involved teeth, and concerns of decision-making on periodontal treatment or extraction of periodontally-involved teeth for replacement.

Results:

The overall response rate was 50% (222 males and 100 females /648), most had graduated in Hong Kong (70%) and worked in the private clinics (73%). Prior to the extraction of periodontally-involved teeth, most of the dentists always checked tooth mobility (81%), performed radiographic assessment (71%) and measured periodontal pocket depth (57%). The three most important factors concerned on tooth extraction included bone level on radiograph (66%), strategic value of the tooth (61%) and tooth mobility (61%). Most dentists favored tooth extraction with subsequent tooth replacement over periodontal treatment regardless of their gender, participation in continuous education and the years of graduation. Dentists who had post-graduate periodontal education or were attached to the Prince Philip Dental Hospital were more positive to periodontal treatment.

Conclusions:

This survey suggests that the decision-making on extraction of periodontally-involved teeth is a complex issue, which is related to the operator’s periodontal training background.