Parental Satisfaction with Ambulatory Anesthesia during Dental Treatment for Disabled Individuals and Their Preference for Same in Future

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to survey parental satisfaction with ambulatory anesthesia during dental treatment in disabled patients. Factors associated with parental preference for general anesthesia during future dental treatment in such patients were also investigated. A questionnaire was mailed to the parents of 181 disabled individuals who underwent dental treatment under ambulatory anesthesia at Tokyo Dental College Suidobashi Hospital between 2012 and 2016. A total of 71 responses were received (39.2%). The mean patient age was 18 years, and disabilities included autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. The items surveyed included dental treatment details, number of times patients received general anesthesia, type of anesthetic used, anesthesia induction method, durations of treatment and anesthesia, and the presence or absence of intraoperative or postoperative complications. Questionnaire items queried problems related to dental care, anesthesia history, preoperative anxiety, length of fasting period, induction of general anesthesia, nursing and hospital room environment, postoperative anxiety, overall evaluation, and whether the parent would prefer general anesthesia during future dental treatment. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those whose parents preferred general anesthesia during future dental treatment and those whose parents did not. The results revealed that, where disabled individuals had previously received general anesthesia during dental treatment, the parents were more likely to prefer general anesthesia during future dental treatment.