Objective: To describe the morbidity related to general anaesthesia provided in general dental practices for the extraction of teeth in school children.
Design: Observational study supported by structured questionnaires and interviews.
Setting: Three general dental practices in a Lancashire health district and children's homes.
Subjects: 80 children aged 5-15 years undergoing extractions under general anaesthesia.
Main outcome measures: Observed demeanour of the children prior to, during and immediately after the surgical procedures. Reported morbidity during the following 24 hours and 1 month later.
Results: 92% of the children complained of symptoms associated with the surgery under general anaesthesia. Distress was noted in 16 (20%) patients during the induction of 26 (33%) during recovery. Continued crying was reported for 24 (39%) during the journey home and for 23 (37%) once home had been reached. Other symptoms included nausea, vomiting, sickness and prolonged bleeding. Six reported psychological trauma 1 month after; three had nightmares, two had continuing bad memories and one was depressed for several days.
Conclusion: Morbidity following extractions under general anaesthesia in general dental practice is common and has distressing consequences for the young patients and their carers.