SAAD Digest 

March 2025
Volume: 41
Issue: 1
DOI: 10.63507/PZSX8678

Title: A retrospective analysis of the number of episodes of single tooth extractions carried out under general anaesthetic on adult patients at University Hospital Wales Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) department over a 12-month period

Author(s): A. Lockstone, V. Fairman, S. Ali.

Abstract: 

Introduction
Conscious sedation is perceived to be a safer technique than general anaesthetic (GA) to manage dental anxiety, and potentially allows for a higher turnover of patients at lower cost. Currently there are no official selection criteria for adult dental extractions under GA.

Objectives
This study investigates adult single tooth extractions (STE) under GA within the OMFS department at University Hospital of Wales (UHW), focusing on the number of episodes, their justification, and whether alternative techniques could have been used.

Method
Data was collected retrospectively, encompassing all scheduled episodes of adult STEs under GA across two UHW sites over one year.

Results
A total of 216 dental GA episodes were performed, 20% of which were STEs. Among these, 29% were for simple exodontia. The main reason for STE under GA was patient anxiety (42%), many specifically stating patient demand. No anxiety measures were recorded in the cohort's notes. Additionally, 73% of patients had tolerated dental treatment without GA, while 12% had prior GA experience. The mean waiting time was 84 weeks, with operations averaging 47 minutes, including anaesthesia.

Conclusion
A significant proportion of dental GA prescriptions appeared driven by patient anxiety rather than clinical need.

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Articles from Digest 41(1)