Research abstract
British Dental Journal 200, 331 - 334 (2006)
Published online: 25 March 2006 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4813347
The behaviour, social status and number of teeth extracted in children under general anaesthesia: A referral centre revisited
M T Hosey1, J Bryce2, P Harris3, S McHugh4 & C Campbell5
- Provides an insight into how general anaesthetic extraction services for children have changed.
- Shows that DGA extraction services are now more fully directed towards 'pre-cooperative' children.
- Suggests that improved assessment and caries diagnosis has led to increased numbers of extractions.
- Questions whether 'extraction' only services under general anaesthesia should ultimately be augmented by GA services that provide restorative treatment.
Abstract
Objective To report on the changing profile of children attending for Dental General Anaesthetic extractions (DGA) at the same centre in 1998 and again in 2004 compared to 1991.
Design Prospective clinical.
Setting Glasgow Dental Hospital DGA service during August 1999 and August/September 2004.
Subjects and method Children presenting for DGA extractions. Data recorded: age, gender, number of teeth extracted and level of behaviour using the Frankl scale.
Results In 1999: 190 children (97 boys) mean age five years. In 2004: 106 children (55 boys) mean age five years. There was a significant increase in the mean number of teeth extracted (p < 0.001), 4.2 (1-16) and 7.8 (1-17) in 1999 and 2004 respectively, compared to 3.7 in 1991. Twenty-six per cent of children had between six and 16 teeth extracted in 1999 compared to 74% in 2004. Significantly fewer children demonstrated 'definitely positive' behaviour compared to 1991. Children were in the poorest socioeconomic groups, reflecting the geographic area.
Conclusion Over half of the children were aged five years and under. Fewer highly co-operative children were treated. More teeth were extracted per child, suggesting that there should be greater opportunities to carry out restorations, not just extractions under general anaesthesia.
- Senior Lecturer in Clinical Paediatric Dentistry, Glasgow Dental Hospital & School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JZ
- General Dental Surgeon, 8 High Street, Renfrew, PA4 8QR
- General Dental Practitioner, Glasgow Dental Hospital & School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 JZ
- Research Statistician, Glasgow Dental Hospital & School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 JZ
- Specialist Registrar in Paediatric Dentistry, Glasgow Dental Hospital & School, 378 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 JZ
Correspondence to: M T Hosey1 e-mail: m.t.hosey@dental.gla.ac.uk
