Characteristics of Pediatric and Medically Compromised Patients Treated under General Anesthesia in a Middle Eastern...

This study aims to describe dental treatment provided to healthy and medically compromised patients treated under general anesthesia (GA) over a four-year period.

A total of 97 patients who received dental treatment under GA at the Saint Joseph University, Lebanon, from 2016 to 2019 were included in the study. The study population was analyzed according to the patient's age, medical status, and type of treatment done accordingly.

The mean age of the patients was 9.15 ± 8.84 years. About 58.8% were aged below 6 years (primary dentition) and 48.5% had medical problems. Dental procedures performed were mostly extractions (4.00 ± 4.15 per patient) followed by resin composite restorations (3.66 ± 3.02 per patient). The mean number of pulpotomies per patient (p <0.001) and stainless steel crowns (p <0.001) were significantly higher in primary dentition, whereas in permanent dentition, the mean number of endodontic treatments per patient (p = 0.016) was significantly larger. Also, there was a significant difference between the type of treatment done on healthy and medically compromised patients (p <0.001).

Better emphasis on oral health education and preventive strategies for children and special need patients is essential.

Dental GA is a reliable treatment for young uncooperative children and medically compromised patients. A multidisciplinary treatment plan must be conducted to ensure optimal oral healthcare and avoid unnecessary extractions.