A comparative assessment of the changes in quality of life of children with severe early-childhood caries following comprehensive oral rehabilitation treated with or without General Anesthesia

Abstract

Background: The negative impact of early-childhood caries (ECC) on Oral-Health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is already known. When total oral rehabilitation is impossible with nonpharmacological management techniques, dental treatment under conscious sedation/general anesthesia (GA) is considered. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the changes in quality of life of children with severe ECC after treatment with or without GA. Materials and Methods: Study group included 22 children with severe ECC who were treated by pedodontic team of our institute with or without GA. A questionnaire consisting of 11 questions on OHRQoL were administered to the parents based on a three point Likert scale. Results: Statistical analysis using the chi-squared (χ2) test showed significant association with relation to diet with children in the non-GA group. There was also a significant association in relation to chewing with children in the non-GA group. Conclusion: Dental rehabilitation under GA should be the modality to treat children not manageable with nonpharmacologic methods. The non-GA management of children could be an effective method to provide treatment and reduce costs and anxiety to the parents.