Evaluation of dental caries using the CAST index in children with an indication for a permanent first molar extraction

Early caries formation can be seen in permanent first molars and neglecting their treatment may cause early loss of these teeth. It is thought that caries seen in primary molars increase the risk of caries formation in permanent first molars. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the caries levels in the primary and permanent first molars of patients who have needed the extraction of any of their permanent first molars. For this purpose, examination forms containing the codes obtained from the Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) index belonging to the primary and permanent first molars of 236 patients between the ages of 7 and 9 who have needed an extraction of any permanent first molar tooth were examined retrospectively. The relationship and distribution of mean and maximum CAST codes for primary and permanent first molars with age and gender were analyzed. When the results of our study were assessed, we determined that at least one primary molar was lost due to caries in 70.8% of the patients, it was found that there was no patient with all primary molars healthy. When other permanent first molars, except for those that have been indicated for extraction, were evaluated, it was determined that these teeth also showed significant rates of morbidity (42.8%) and serious morbidity (37.3%). In our study, we determined that the health status of both primary and other permanent first molars of children who required an extraction of any permanent first molar tooth were at a very low level.