This retrospective study evaluated the characteristics and treatment modalities performed under general anesthesia in dental patients with disabilities at Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Pediatric Dentistry of Gülhane Military Medical Academy between 2009 and 2011. A total of 70 (mean age 11.6); 49 male (70%), 21 female (30%) patients were included, and the treatment needs were recorded. All dental procedures were performed by at least one oral and maxillofacial surgeon and one pediatric dentist working at the same institution. Seven cases were autistic (10%), 19 were cerebral palsy (27.1%), 39 were mental retardation (55.7%) and 5 were Down’s syndrome (7.1%). Filling was the most required treatment (Mean value 3.8). The mean ages of patients with cerebral palsy and mental retardation were higher than that of the patients with Down’s syndrome. Down’s syndrome was the diagnosis with the least need for treatment (Mean value 5.6). Providing early treatment for children with a chronic illness and/or a disability may improve their dental health and maintain full dentition so as to reduce the number of subsequent teeth extractions. It is recommended to refer these children at an earlier age to a hospital where tooth restoration under general anesthesia can be performed.
Keywords: Dental care, dental care plan, disabled patients, general anesthesia
