Dental characteristics and according treatments of children under GA in Germany

Abstract

Purpose

Due to rising numbers of dental referral to general anesthesia, more specialized dental treatments under GA were needed in the last decades in Germany. However, there are few studies about it. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess dental treatment and characteristics of the children underwent GA at Greifswald University Clinic in comparison with specialized pediatric private practices in Germany.

Materials and methods

This analytical comparative research reviewed the records of all children younger than 18 years old, whose underwent GA at the university dental clinic and three private practices in 2011. All cases were analyzed anonymously, including age, gender, caries levels, diagnostics and dental treatments.

Results

About 54% and 50%, respectively, of children who underwent GA at both the university clinic and private practices were under 5 years old. Dental caries were mostly diagnosed among referred children (47.4% and 33.8% at university and private practices, resp.) followed by irreversible pulpitis (19.2% and 22.4%, resp.) and ECC (14.1% and 20.1%, resp.). Dental extractions were often performed at university clinic (40.2%) followed by fillings (33.9%), while more restorations and less extractions were supplied at private practices (47.8% and 16.3%, resp.).

Conclusions

Dental caries and its complications like pulpal problems were the most important reason for children who underwent GA combined with young age (< 5 years). Therefore, a primary preventive approach would be preferable to decrease the number of children in need of comprehensive dental treatment under GA.