Evaluation of the Effect of Local Anesthesia for Dental Treatment on Physiological Parameters and Recovery Outcomes in Children Undergoing Dental Treatment Under General Anesthesia

<b>Objectives:</b> The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of local anesthesia (LA) for dental treatment of children under general anesthesia (GA) on physiologic parameters of patients and recovery of the patients. This information is important because currently, no guidelines exist to define the usage of local anesthetics in dental cases under GA. <b>Methods:</b> This study was designed as a double-blinded randomized clinical trial. Intraoperatively, physiologic parameters, including heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), arterial oxygen saturation, and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) were observed during points of potential stimulation, and the corresponding time was recorded from the monitor of the operation room. The Aldrete scoring system was then recorded for all the included participants. <b>Results:</b> There were 34 children (55.9% boys, 44.1% girls, age 2-7 years) for whom the dental treatment was done under GA in the study. The mean age was 4.08 ± 1.31 years. ETCO₂ was significantly lower in the group that received LA than in those that did not (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Aldrete's score in the group that received LA was significantly higher than that did not (9 vs. 9.47 ± 0.51, <i>p</i> = 0.002). <b>Conclusion:</b> In conclusion, we found LA provides better intraoperative vital sign stability, particularly regarding heart rate and ETCO₂. Also, patients who did not receive LA had statistically significantly higher ETCO₂ than those patients who received LA. <b>Trial Registration:</b> Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20220425054651N1.