Impact of multimodal electronic follow-up systems on postoperative complications in pediatric dentistry under general anesthesia: a retrospective study

Background: In pediatric dentistry, effective postoperative management is essential for ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and minimizing complications. With the advent of advanced information technologies, electronic follow-up systems have emerged as a promising tool to enhance postoperative care. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of electronic follow-up systems in postoperative management, particularly their role in reducing complications and improving follow-up rates. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed children who underwent dental treatment under general anesthesia at Shanghai Children’s Hospital from September 2022 to February 2023. Patients were divided into an electronic follow-up system group and a routine medical advice group, with 60 cases randomly selected from each. Data on follow-up rates at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, complication rates at 6 and 12 months, and assessments of psychological status, oral health-related quality of life, and satisfaction with postoperative care at the 6-month mark were collected. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 28.0 software. Results: The results showed that the electronic follow-up system group had significantly higher follow-up rates at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively compared to the routine medical advice group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the complication rate at both 6 and 12 months postoperatively was significantly lower in the electronic follow-up system group (p < 0.05). At the 6-month postoperative mark, this group had significantly lower anxiety and depression scores (p < 0.001), as well as higher quality of life scores and greater satisfaction with postoperative care (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings indicate that the implementation of electronic follow-up systems significantly enhances follow-up rates after pediatric dental treatment under general anesthesia, reduces the incidence of complications, improves children’s psychological well-being and quality of life, and increases satisfaction with postoperative care. These results highlight the considerable clinical value of electronic follow-up systems in pediatric oral health management, and they are highly recommended as a follow-up method.