Effect of Different Patterns of Molar Teeth Extraction on Memory in Rats: A Short Report

Tooth extraction is one of the ways to treat dental diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different molar tooth extraction patterns on short-term and middle-term memory in rats.

In this experimental study, 45 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group (C) without pulling, pulling group 1 (E1) by pulling bilateral maxillary molars, and pulling group 2 (E2) by pulling the left maxillary and right mandibular molars. The Maurice Watermase test was performed to assess spatial memory. Tukey’s test was used to analyze the data.

In short-term memory tests, the number of visits to the target area was significantly lower in group E1 than in group C (p=0.003). In group E2, the time spent in the target area and the distance traveled in the target area was longer than group E1.

This study explained that the molar teeth extraction may impair the memory ability.