March 2007

Objective: To evaluate the success and failure rates of the clinical procedures carried out under general anaesthesia in disabled or medically comprised and healthy children Basic Research Design: Retrospective study included 47 patients who received dental treatment under general anaesthesia, grouped according to whether they were disabled or medically compromised (group A, n=16) or not (group B, n=31), and subgrouped according to whether they were under or over 6 years of age. Results: Mean duration of anaesthesia was 2 hours and 25 minutes, with a range of 1 to 4 hours. The percentage of children followed up was 87%. The procedures performed were: 105 preformed metal crowns, 142 restorations, 85 pulpotomies and 166 extractions. The success rate was 93% for preformed metal crowns, 96% for pulpotomies and 90% for restorations. Conclusions: General anaesthesia is necessary in some children, but should be complemented with a preventive programme, behavioural remodelling and a follow-up schedule to avoid having to repeat the use of general anaesthesia. Key words: dental treatment under general anaesthesia; failure of dental treatment; general anaesthesia