Identifying the factors contributing to incorrect tooth extraction: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to investigate the causes of wrong site tooth extraction at different clinical set ups in Karachi.

Methods: After the ethical approval from the institutional review board, this cross-sectional study was conducted at multiple dental clinics in Karachi from January 2024 to June 2024. Through Convenient sampling, 173 practicing dentist of either gender from the Karachi were recruited for the present study. 

Results: Common remedies for wrong tooth extraction included informing the patient (30.95%, n=26), admitting and apologizing (16.67%, n=14), and re-implantation (7.14%, n=6). Reasons for errors included miscommunication (21.43%, n=18), multiple badly decayed teeth (14.29%, n=12), rushed procedures (14.29%, n=12), distractions (9.52%, n=8), and inadequate referrals (9.52%, n=8). Errors were recognized preoperatively by 30.95% (n=26) of participants, intraoperatively by 35.71% (n=30), and postoperatively by another 35.71% (n=30). Awareness of protocols for wrong-site extractions was reported by 123.81% of participants (n=104).

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that wrong tooth extraction is still a complex issue with social, individual, mechanical, and organizational determinants.