Spatial distribution of premature loss of the first permanent molar in the 10-15 year age range

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of premature loss of the first permanent molar in children and adolescents aged 10 to 15 years, treated at Primary Health Care Units (PHC) between March 2024 and March 2025 in the municipality of Piraquara-PR. A retrospective, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted, using secondary data from medical records related to extractions of this dental element due to carious lesions. Pearson's Chi-Square Test of Independence (X2) was used for identify areas of higher incidence and verify possible associations between categorical variables. The significance level was set at α = 0.05, data processing was performed using SPSS software (version 25). The results showed 41 premature extractions of first molars, revealing a predominance in females, with 22 cases (53.66%), compared to 19 cases (46.34%) in males. Tooth 46 was the most frequently extracted, with 19 cases (46.3%), while tooth 16 had the fewest losses, with only 5 cases (12.2%). Furthermore, the greatest tooth loss was observed in the lower arch (teeth 36 and 46), totaling 28 extractions (68.3% of the total). The Central region of the municipality accounted for the largest absolute volume of extractions (N=23), followed by Guarituba (N=11) and Contorno Leste (N=7). Finally, the need for greater investment in preventive and educational strategies is evident, focusing on the early diagnosis of carious lesions, enabling less invasive treatments and better long-term oral health.