Complaints of Paediatric Patients After Dental Treatment Under General Anaesthesia I: Pain. A Prospective Observational Study.

Abstract Background: Dental treatment under general anaesthesia for children is a useful option in behaviour management. However, this treatment modality may also be accompanied by considerable postoperative pain. We aimed to specify factors related to postoperative pain and those that alleviate complaints. Methods: Children treated in general anaesthesia and their parents voluntarily participated in the study. Pain was reported daily by children using Wong Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and by caregivers, using a yes/no questionnaire during hospitalization and throughout the postoperative week. The relation of patient and operation linked factors were evaluated in accordance with the duration and severity of pain. Results: Based on children’s responses and parental feedback, no significant difference was found in pain level between extraction and non-extraction cases. Intraoperative local anaesthesia did not influence pain during hospitalization. Compared to other analgesics postoperative intravenous opioid administration was more effective in pain management. Older patients reported more durable and severe pain during the postoperative week. Treatment time, airway management and the class of extracted primary tooth (molar, anterior) significantly influenced pain during postoperative week. Additionally, parental questionnaires revealed correlation between gender and postoperative pain.Conclusion: Few of the influencing factors are alterable, but with precise and meticulous treatment planning postoperative pain, thereby the distress on families may be reduced.