Abstract
Purpose
The burden of dental care in Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) has not been well described. This condition results in weak, discoloured and often sensitive teeth. Specialist paediatric care is available for AI patients in the UK, but treatment protocols and care provided are inconsistent. The aim of this study was therefore to analyse the provision of treatment and burden of care for children and families with AI across four Paediatric Dentistry centres in the UK.
Methods
A retrospective evaluation of AI patient clinical records across four UK consultant-led Paediatric Dentistry centres was completed. Frequency and duration of care were recorded along with treatment and experience of inhalation sedation, local and general anaesthetic.
Results
In total, 138 records were available for analysis. The average patient age at first referral was 7.7 years (range 1–16 years) and families travelled an average 21.8 miles per appointment (range 0.2–286 miles). Patients attended on average 4.5 appointments per year for 5.8 years. In total, 65.2% had experience of local anaesthetic, 27.5% inhalation sedation and 31.9% general anaesthetic. Dental treatment including restorations and extractions were commonly required on multiple teeth per patient.
Conclusion
AI carries a high burden of specialist dental care to patients and families. Specialist centres are required to provide longitudinal, comprehensive care.
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Availability of data and materials
Data available from each unit locally.
Code availability
Not available.
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With many thanks to the administrative and nursing staff who aided with the location of patient clinical records.
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RCB and FL conceived the idea; FL HA and AS collected and analysed the data; KK, AJM, JM, FS, SP and RCB supervised data analysis and interpretation of the data and FL led the writing.
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Local governance approval was gained in each setting. No further ethical approval was required as the study in each setting was carried out by those involved with direct clinical care of the patients.
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Lafferty, F., Al Siyabi, H., Sinadinos, A. et al. The burden of dental care in Amelogenesis Imperfecta paediatric patients in the UK NHS: a retrospective, multi-centred analysis. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 22, 929–936 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-021-00638-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-021-00638-x