Recurrence of Early Childhood Caries after Comprehensive Treatment with General Anesthesia and Follow-up

Resident’s Name: Laura Randazzo Sabnani Date: 5/29/2009

Article title: Recurrence of Early Childhood Caries after Comprehensive Treatment with General Anesthesia and Follow-up

Author(s):  Forester, T et el.

Journal: J. Dent for Children

Volume (number): 73:1

Month, Year:  2006

Major topic / Main purpose: To determine the likelihood of new caries in children with ECC after comprehensive treatment under GA.  Also, to determine if immediate follow-up can prevent relapse.  

Methods and Materials:  193 patients who had returned for at least one 6 MRC visit or appeared for an emergency visit 6-24 months following the surgery.  

Results:  53.4% of the children had developed new carious lesions in the 6-24 month postoperative period.  46.6% had new caries in only the primary dentition 12% had new caries in only the permanent dentition, and 5% had caries that involved both dentitions.  New carious lesions were less likely in patients that returned for their immediate two week follow-up 19.7% vs. children who did not attend 33.7% although this association was found not to be statistically significant.  

Keypoints/Summary:  Following treatment in the O.R 61% of children failed to show up for the post operative appointment.  53% of the children developed new caries within 2 years.  

Assessment of article:  Interesting...It seems like we are fighting a losing battle.