Retrospective study on risk factors for repeated dental treatment of children under general anaesthesia

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate potential risk factors predicting repeated dental treatment of children under general anaesthesia.

Children below 12 years of age receiving at least one dental treatment under general anaesthesia between 03/2010 and 10/2018 were analysed (n = 935, mean age: 4.6 ± 2.4). Dental records were analysed retrospectively for anamnestic, demographic, oral health and treatment factors. Kaplan-Meier statistics was used to estimate the time to second dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Potential risk factors for repeated dental treatment underwent univariate analysis using log-rank tests and were then submitted to a multi-variate Cox-regression analysis (a = 5%).

One hundred fifteen children (12.3%) received or were planned to receive repeated dental treatment under general anaesthesia. In children receiving repeated dental treatment, the time intervals between first and second general anaesthesia and second and third general anaesthesia amounted to 22 ± 18 and 23 ± 20 months, respectively. The use of fluoridated toothpaste (HR: 0.28, p < 0.01) and attending 2 or more recall appointments per year (HR: 0.6, p < 0.01) significantly decreased the risk for repeated dental treatment under general anaesthesia in the multivariate model.

Adherence to preventive recall appointments and to oral hygiene recommendations is essential to maintain oral health and avoid repeated dental treatment under general anaesthesia.