Evaluation of dental procedures performed on children under general anesthesia

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of different dental procedures performed on children under general anesthesia (GA). Retrospective review of 175 dental records of children receiving dental rehabilitation under GA at the College of Dentistry of King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia from 1994 - 2004 were undertaken. Only records of patients who returned for follow-up 1-2 years after their rehabilitations were evaluated. Results showed low rates of return for follow-up (35.5%). Sealants showed to have 7.1% failure rate. Of restorative procedures, stainless steel crowns (SSCs) had lower failure rate (6.6%) than amalgam restorations (15.2%). The highest failure rates were seen in compomer and composite restorations (22.4% and 29.9%) respectively. There was a significant difference in the failure rates between SSCs and other restorations. Pulpotomies showed very low failure rate (1.7%). Increased failure rate was shown to be related to younger age group (P<O.OOI).In conclusion, stainless steel crowns are the most reliable restorations; while composite restorations are the least durable for patients treated under GA. Definitive treatment to minimize the failure rate is the approach to be taken when working under GA with high risk patients.