Patients Knowledge and Perception about Orthodontic Extraction of Sound Permanent Teeth

BACKGROUND There are many beliefs & misconceptions of patients associated with the orthodontic extraction of sound teeth. The decision to extract creates a cycle of doubts in the patients' minds. So, the purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and perception of patients undergoing extractions of sound permanent teeth for orthodontic reasons in a dental teaching institute. METHODS This prospective study involved patients who were advised and indicated for orthodontic extraction of sound permanent teeth. A questionnaire which was content, and face validated was used to measure the patients’ responses, which included questions about the knowledge and perception of patients regarding the extraction of sound permanent teeth for orthodontic reason. The returned questionnaires were analysed, and responses were tabulated and subjected to various statistical tests. RESULTS The overall level of knowledge was 38.18 % above average and the level of perception was 45.45 % above average. There was no statistically significant association between age groups with the level of knowledge (P=0.4980). Percentagewise: higher the age group, the higher the knowledge. While there was a statistically significant association (P=0.0490) between age groups with the level of perception. Percentagewise in ≤19 yrs. it was 38.10 % as compared to 69.23 % in ≥20 yrs. age who had an above average level of perception. A statistically significant association between the ANOVA test (F=8.0794, P=0.0009) and Tukey's post hoc test was seen between education level with mean perception level. Subjects with a higher degree had above-average perception levels followed by secondary and higher secondary education levels. Knowledge level was significantly higher in subjects residing in an urban area as compared to rural area (t=-2.9097, P=0.0053), percentage wise also urban area had more level of mean knowledge (53.33 %) as compared to rural area (20 %). CONCLUSIONS The overall level of knowledge and perception in patients reporting for orthodontic extraction of sound teeth was less. The study concluded the need for more awareness about the orthodontic extraction of sound teeth which can lead to more satisfaction and less anxiety, especially in lower age groups and rural populations.