The long‐term effect of previous dental treatment under general anaesthesia on children's dental fear and anxiety. Issue 2 (18th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aldossari, Ghadah S.; Aldosari, Alanoud A.; Alasmari, Amirah A.; Aldakheel, Rwan M.; Al‐Natsha, Reem R.; Aldossary, Mohammed S.
• Is Part Of: International journal of paediatric dentistry. Volume 29:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 177
• Page End: 184
• Publication Date: 2018-12-18
• Subjects: Pedodontics -- Periodicals; 617.645
• DOI: 10.1111/ipd.12455
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-7439

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Dental treatment under general anaesthesia (DGA) is deemed to contribute to children's dental fear and anxiety (DFA), both in the short term and long term. Objective: To compare DFA between children who had previous DGA and those who did not. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey included 5‐ to 12‐year‐old children who had undergone DGA (n = 43) and a control group who had not (n = 55). Questionnaires were completed by parents regarding sociodemographic and dental profiles. Children's Fear Survey Schedule‐Dental Subscale (CFSS‐DS) and the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (faces) (MCDASf) were completed by children. Results: The mean age of the control group and the DGA group was 9.5 ± 1.7 and 8.8 ± 1.5 years old, respectively ( P > 0.05). The time passed since DGA was experienced ranged between 1.2 and 6.9 years ago (mean: 4.2 ± 1.1 years). The mean CFSS‐DS and MCDASf scores for the DGA group (34.3 and 20.4, respectively) were significantly greater when compared to the control group (23.6 and 12.7, respectively) ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: Children who experienced DGA are a high‐risk group for DFA several years after the procedure. The DGA status could be used for identifying anxious children to promote better behaviour management.