DefinePK

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare the pattern of dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) for healthy and medically compromised children. PATIENTS AND METHOD: One hundred and seventy five dental records of patients who had comprehensive dental care under GA were reviewed at the College of Dentistry, King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudia Arabia from 1994 to 2004. RESULTS: The records showed that a total of 95 healthy children and 80 medically compromised children were treated during this period. The mean number of dental procedures (15.6) for healthy child was significantly higher than the medically compromised child (14.0). A significantly greater number of extractions were carried out in medically compromised children. The number of composite and stainless steel crown restorations and pulpal procedures was significantly greater in healthy children, while the number of amalgam restorations and sealants was significantly higher in medically compromised children. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that while dental treatment under GA is beneficial to both uncooperative young healthy children and medically compromised children, the underlying medical conditions influenced the pattern of dental treatment when provided under GA.