Evaluation of oral health-related quality of life in pediatric patients after treatment under general anesthesia

Abstract Background Dental treatments under general anesthesia (GA) are of greater durability and quality than conventional treatment. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life in a group of Egyptian pediatric patients following dental treatment under GA. Patients and methods This clinical trial study was conducted on 74 children aged 3–5, both sexes, without medical conditions. Early childhood oral health impact scale (ECOHIS), child impact section (CIS), and family impact section scores were performed in all patients. Statistical analysis was done for the collected data. Results There was no correlation between (total ECOHIS score, CIS, and family impact section) and (age and sex) of the studied patients. There were highly significant differences in oral health-related quality of life before and after dental treatment under GA regarding the complaints about gums/tooth/jaw, pain or sensitivity with hot or cold, pain or sensitivity with sweet, and difficulty in pronouncing some words ( P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in CIS before and after treatment regarding taking time off daycare or school due to dental problems ( P = 0.008). I felt upset, taking time off work, losing income, and worried about the child’s future teeth being significantly lower after treatment than before treatment ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Dental treatment under GA improves the quality of life for children as complaints about gums, and teeth, pain with hot and cold, difficulty in pronouncing some words, taking time off daycare, behavior problems, avoiding smiling or laughing, avoiding speaking and total ECOHIS score were significantly lower after GA treatment.