Abstract

Complications associated to dental extraction remain a concern and can be a source of morbidity. However, adequate management could avoid these complications. The purpose of this study was to assess the risks factors and complications associated with dental extraction in the Western Region of Cameroon. This was a cross sectional study carried out between January 25 to April 30, 2019. Patients 15 years and above were recruited by convenience sampling. Included in the study were   patients who had tooth extraction and managed for post-extraction complications. . A total of 1500 patients were consulted and 170 patients presented with post-extraction complications giving a frequency of 11.34 %.The main reasons for consultation was toothache 146(85.88 %), (54%) of the patients who presented with complications were males. Dental extractions were performed by dental therapists 91(53.53%), dental students on training 49(28.82%) and dental surgeons 30(17.65%).Post-extraction complications were hemorrhages 54(27%), suppurative alveolitis 53(26.23%), dry socket 23(11.56%), post-extraction pain 20(10%) and postoperative edema 20(10%). Multivariate analysis revealed that the factors associated with the hemorrhage were the maxillary arch extraction (OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.6-8.5, p= 0.04), extraction performed by dental students on training (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.1-4.37, p= 0.028) and tobacco use (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.01- 3.99, p= 0.012). Dry socket was associated to mandibular extraction (OR 4.22, 95% CI 2.19- 8.1, p= 0.000) and those associated with inflammation were female (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.11-4.18, p= 0.017) and extraction of 4 teeth (OR 6.17, 95% CI 1.15-32.93, p= 0.029). Dental extractions were performed mainly by dental therapists and complications after tooth extraction were significantly associated with extractions performed by dental students on training.

Key words: Tooth extraction, Complications, Hemorrhage, Alveolitis, epidemiology, therapy, Cameroon.