Recall rates and caries experience of patients undergoing general anesthesia for dental treatment

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the recall rate and caries experience of children seen under general anesthesia (GA) at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

After a retrospective chart review, information from 217ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) 1 patients undergoing GA between 1998 and 2002 was gleaned regarding: (1) date of GA; (2) age at time of GA; (3) follow-up (recall) visits; (4) referral status; (5) new caries experience; and (6) treatment of new/recurrent lesions. A 19-question survey was also mailed to parents/legal guardians for satisfaction.

Survey data were not reported in this study due to the poor (25%) return rate after several attempts: 41% of the patients were referrals; 54% returned for a 2 week postoperative visit, but only 13% returned for a 6-month recall, with subsequent recoils being even lower; 72% were insured by Medicaid; and 25% had recurrent or new lesions at follow-up appointments.

Recall rates after general anesthesia for dental treatment at a university hospital are very low, and new or recurrent caries experience is high.