The behaviour, social status and number of teeth extracted in children under general anaesthesia: a referral centre revisited

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.