An algorithm for treatment of children under general anesthesia

Abstract

Introduction: Children indicated for general anesthesia are those with early childhood caries; with a high degree of anxiety from dental treatment, and those with special needs. Aim: The aim of this article is to create an algorithm for the complex treatment of children under general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: The object of observation were 992 teeth in 124 children with primary dentition, treated under general anesthesia. The treated teeth were separated into two groups with 496 teeth each, depending on the way of treatment. Observation units: count and relative share of tooth-related complications in relation to the used treatment methods. Results and Discussion: In the first examined group all the teeth diagnosed with periodontitis were extracted. The teeth diagnosed with pulpitis, which had a developed apex and no x-ray data of root resorption, were treated with extirpation and filling of the root canals with metapex, followed by obturation with glass ionomer cement (GIC). Only 1.2% (n=3) of them had complications. Conclusion: In order to prevent retreatment, a more radical therapy approach is mandatory. A basic principle in the treatment of these children is that it is consistent with a more severe differential diagnosis, in order to avoid complications. Keywords: general anesthesia, retreatment, radical approach