Complications after dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia in Isfahan during February to May 2016

Abstract

Background: Children undergoing dental rehabilitations by general anesthesia (GA) commonly
experience postoperative symptoms such as pain, fever, sore throat, and sleepiness. The aim of
the present study was to investigate the specific complications of pediatric dental GA procedure.
Materials and Methods: In this observational study sample included 72 children attending GA for
dental treatment at the School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Children with
American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and without any communication or mental
health problems were included. GA protocol was standardized. A number of complications were
recorded by parents via filling a questionnaire for 2 days postoperatively. Data were analyzed using
SPSS statistical software by Wilcoxon and Chi‑squared test. P < 0.05 considered as significant level.
Results: The most postoperative nonpsychological complications were dental pain
(59.7 and 47.2% on days 1 and 2, respectively), followed by inability to eat normal
(55.6 and 41.7% on days 1 and 2, respectively). All the patients’ nonpsychological complaints had
significantly decreased from day one to day two (P < 0.05). The most postoperative psychological
complications were Attachments to parents (70.8 and 65.2% on days 1 and 2, respectively) followed
by excessive crying (56.9 and 45.8% on days 1 and 2, respectively). All psychological complaints
reduced by day two nonsignificantly except excessive crying which decreased significantly after
48 h (P = 0.004).
Conclusion: The most postoperative complications after dental rehabilitation under GA were
attachments to parents, dental pain, and inability to eat normal and excessive crying, respectively.
Key Words: Dental care, dentistry, general anesthesia, pediatric dentistry