Is endodontic treatment performed under general anaesthesia technically acceptable?

Area of Science:

• Dental surgery
• Anesthesiology
• Endodontics

Background:

• Endodontic treatment under general anesthesia (GA) is often perceived as challenging.
• Limited data exists on the safety and efficacy of endodontic procedures performed under GA.
• This study investigates the quality of endodontic treatment under GA versus local anesthesia (LA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the technical quality of endodontic treatment for permanent teeth under GA.
• To compare the outcomes of endodontic treatment performed under GA with those under LA.
• To determine if compromises made during endodontic treatment under GA are acceptable.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 255 permanent teeth treated under GA (125 patients with special needs) and 246 teeth under LA (180 healthy patients).
• Radiographic criteria for quality of endodontic treatment (RCQET) assessed root filling proximity to apex, absence of voids, and complete canal obturation.
• Tooth type, pulpal status, and periapical status were analyzed as independent variables.

Main Results:

• The proportion of satisfactory RCQET was 63% in both the GA and LA groups.
• No significant difference in treatment quality was observed between GA and LA groups.
• Treatment quality was significantly lower for molars compared to other tooth types in both groups.

Conclusions:

• Endodontic treatment of permanent teeth under GA is technically acceptable.
• The study supports the feasibility of performing endodontic procedures under GA.
• Further research is recommended to assess the long-term success rates of endodontic treatment conducted under GA.