Recent increase in simple extractions in OMF-surgeries in the Netherlands studied
Tooth extraction is a treatment that can be carried out by general dental practitioners. It is suspected that the number of referrals to OMF-surgeons for simple tooth extractions has increased in the Netherlands in recent years. In a study, the health records of 2 groups of outpatients treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department of a university medical centre between 1996 and 2014 were investigated. Patients who had undergone tooth extractions were included. The complexity of the tooth extractions was analyzed according to 4 criteria. The results of the study show a significant increase in simple tooth extractions by OMF surgeons in 2014 in comparison with 1996. The complexity of the total number of tooth extractions in 2014 was lower than in 1996. Reasons for these results could not be unambiguously determined. Possible significant aspects are the risk of per-operative complications, insufficient affinity of general dental practitioners with tooth extractions or financial considerations on the part of both the general dental practitioners and the patients.