Characteristics and Predicting Factors of Repeat Dental Treatment Under General Anesthesia in Patients with Special Health Care Needs: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Repeat dental procedures under general anesthesia (GA) in patients with special health care needs (SHCN) can increase anesthetic risks and consequences. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and predicting factors of repeat GA in SHCN patients. The hospital records of SHCN patients who underwent dental treatments under GA during year 2005-2019 were reviewed. The difference between single and repeat GA groups were statistically analyzed. From 162 cases, the repeat GA rate was 29 cases (17.9%). The mean elapsed time after first GA was 5.03±3.07 years. At baseline, negative behavior, number of pulp and periodontal treatment needs in repeat GA group were statistically significant higher than single GA group. New caries occurrence, poor oral hygiene and negative behavior were significantly found in repeat GA group after 24 months of recall, although there was no significant difference in recall behavior between groups. Reasons for repeat dental treatment under GA were dental caries (62%), surgical removal of impacted tooth/teeth (30%) and periodontal disease (8%) respectively. SHCN patients who initially were definitely negative behavior with distinct pulp and periodontal treatment needs including failure of behavior and oral hygiene improvement at recall periods had higher tendency to repeat dental treatment under GA