The frequency and the etiology of re‑treatment in patients and candidates for dental procedure under general anesthesia

Abstract

Background: General anesthesia in dentistry has been widely utilized in cases of uncontrollable
fear/anxiety and uncooperative patients, patients of young age, and those allergic to local anesthesia
and with other existing systemic diseases. These people usually require re‑treatment owing to
their weak immunity. Our study investigates the frequency and the prevalence of re‑treatment in
patients and candidates for dental procedure under general anesthesia in Isfahan during 1393–1396.
Materials and Methods: The present cross‑sectional study randomly chose 162 patients who were
candidates for dental procedures. Patients who came in for re‑treatment twice or more during this
period were identified and their records were requested from the archives. Demographic data, reason
for using general anesthesia, underlying disease, physical condition, and mental condition were all gathered
through a questionnaire. The causative etiology of re‑treatment was identified by examining the patients’
medical records including restorations, denervation, tooth extraction, filling, and pulpotomy. Statistical
analysis was performed using the SPSS software (version 25) and tests such as Kolmogorov–Smirnov
Z‑test, Spearman, and Chi‑square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The findings of the present study showed that 92.25% of patients needed dental
re‑treatment during their second visit. The most needed treatment was in the second repair session
and the least was related to prosthetics. It was also noted that 42.15% of patients needed dental
treatment at the third visit and the highest need for treatment was in the third prosthesis session
and the lowest reason was related to tooth restoration and extraction.
Conclusion: The most needed treatment was in the second session of endodontic treatment,
and in the third session, tooth extraction was one of the required treatments, which indicates the
progression of dental problems in the interval between treatments.
Key Words: Anesthesia general, dental care, re‑treatment