Abstract:

Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the satisfaction levels of parents whose children had been treated under general anesthesia for dental treatment, and to determine pre-treatment factors affecting satisfaction levels.  Methods:A total of 230 children treated under general anesthesia with nasal intubation due to dental phobia/ anxiety, systemic disease or physical/ mental disabilities were included in the study. There were 13 questions in the questionnaire and the data were collected from the parents on the phone (minimum a month after general anesthesia) and the answers were recorded by the same pediatric dentist. For statistical analysis of the data, Chi square, T test and Spearman correlation tests were performed. Results:Patients sample was composed of 139 male and 91 female children with ages ranging from 1,5 to 18 years (mean age: 6.4 ±2.7 year). The distribution of the patients treated under general anesthesia had various systemic conditions; 58 children had mental disabilities, 150 were healthy (with dental phobia / anxiety) and 23 had systemic disorders. There was significant difference between parental satisfaction and difficulty of dental treatment under general anesthesia, prior information about dental treatment under general anesthesia, most of the parents were satisfied with their children’s treatment under GA: 68.3% were very satisfied,and 30.3 % moderately satisfied. In addition, positive significant correlation was found between the number of unsuccessful clinical treatment experience of children and waiting periods / satisfaction status of general anesthesia. Conclusion:The level of parental satisfaction about dental care under GA in children was high. As reported by parents, dental fear was the most important reason of GA use is dental treatment. In children, this fear should always be correctly diagnosed and prevented. Dental treatments under general anesthesia should be resorted to only when absolutely necessary.

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