Evaluation of oral health‐related quality of life following dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia in Turkish children with early childhood caries

Abstract

BackgroundEarly childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common dental problems, which often require dental rehabilitation with general anesthesia (DRGA).AimTo assess the short‐ and long‐term effects of DRGA on children and their families' oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in preschool children, the incidence of complications on the first day, and the factors affecting them and parental satisfaction.DesignA total of 150 children treated for ECC under DRGA were included in the study. OHRQoL was assessed on the day of DRGA, 4 weeks, and 1 year after treatment using the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). The incidence of complications and parental satisfaction with DRGA were evaluated. The data were analyzed for statistical significance (p < .05).ResultsIn total, 134 patients were re‐evaluated at the end of the fourth week and 120 at the end of the first year. The average ECOHIS scores before and after DRGA (4 weeks and 1 year) were 18.1 ± 8.5, 3.1 ± 3.9, and 5.9 ± 6.2, respectively. After DRGA, 29.2% of the children reported at least one complication. Ninety‐one percent of the parents reported that they were satisfied with DRGA.ConclusionDRGA has a positive effect on the OHRQoL of Turkish preschool children with ECC and is highly evaluated by their parents.

Does the Modality of Dental Treatment Affect the Treatment Prognosis and the Necessity of Re-Treatments?

“…Children who undergo such procedures may subsequently receive rewards from their families and experience happiness due to resolving their dental issues. However, children who undergo dental extractions under anesthesia may also experience physical effects such as nausea, bleeding and fatigue, as well as psychological outcomes including hunger, fear, and anxiety [11][12][13].…”