Retrospective study on risk factors for repeated dental treatment of children under general anaesthesia

Abstract

AIM: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate potential risk factors predicting repeated dental treatment of children under general anaesthesia. METHODS: Children below 12 years of age receiving at least one dental treatment under general anaesthesia between 03/2010 and 10/2018 were analysed (n = 935, mean age: 4.6 ± 2.4). Dental records were analysed retrospectively for anamnestic, demographic, oral health and treatment factors. Kaplan-Meier statistics was used to estimate the time to second dental treatment under general anaesthesia. Potential risk factors for repeated dental treatment underwent univariate analysis using log-rank tests and were then submitted to a multi-variate Cox-regression analysis (a = 5%). CONCLUSION: Adherence to preventive recall appointments and to oral hygiene recommendations is essential to maintain oral health and avoid repeated dental treatment under general anaesthesia.