Conservative and endodontic treatment performed under general anesthesia: A discussion of protocols and outcomes

This work discusses the procedures and outcomes of restorative and endodontic treatments performed under general anesthesia, with examples from the Unit of Special Care Dentistry at the University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand.

The restorative and endodontic treatment techniques used in the Special Care Unit are described. These techniques are compared to existing reports in the literature of treatment procedures under general anesthesia. Little evidence was found in the literature regarding sealants or restorative protocols. A few studies described root canal treatment and pulpotomy protocols carried out under general anesthesia, and the results of these met academic outcome standards.

Patients with equal needs should have equal access, equal quality of treatment and equal treatment outcomes, regardless of whether a facilitatory procedure is used to achieve treatment. The provision of restorative treatment under general anesthesia is essential to avoid an excessive number of extractions in patients unable to receive treatment in the chair. Restorative care provided under general anesthesia should be standardized and evaluated in the same way as treatment performed under local anesthesia. In this way, the provision of conservative dental care under general anesthesia could be promoted and the maintenance of a functional dentition encouraged.