Periodontal status and total tooth extraction in a medium-sized city in the Netherlands

A combined sociodental research project was started in the city of Groningen in 1982 aimed at gaining insight into the reasons for total tooth extraction. Patients showing up for total tooth extraction during 1982 participated in this study by filling out a questionnaire concerning the underlying reasons for their decision to have all their teeth extracted. The dentists in this city were asked to collect all the extracted teeth and to fill out a short questionnaire for each patient about the reason (diagnosis) for the total tooth extraction. The periodontal status of the extracted teeth was established afterwards by measuring the percentage of the loss of attachment (L.A.). It appeared that most surfaces in the molar region and the front teeth in the mandible were affected by periodontal disease. Advanced generalized periodontal disease was established in 17% of the patients, accounting for 64% of all teeth with an L.A. measurement of greater than 50%. Periodontal disease could not be identified as the main clinical condition requiring tooth extraction: even in the group of 55 yr of age and older advanced periodontal disease was found in only one third of the extracted teeth. Finally, the contribution of regular dental attendance to periodontal health is discussed.