Local Anesthesia Effects on Postoperative Pain After Pediatric Oral Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of local anesthesia (LA) on postoperative pain after pediatric oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia (ORGA). Methods: Ninety-six healthy pediatric dental patients undergoing ORGA were allocated equally into two main groups. In group one, only restorative treatment was indicated; in group two, dental restoration and extraction were performed. Both groups were further divided into subgroups. In subgroup one (experimental group), but not in subgroup two (control group), LA was administered. Seven pain scores were recorded for each patient using a universal pain assessment tool (UPAT). Results: Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in pain scores between subgroups. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the use of local anesthesia in pediatric dental patients undergoing oral rehabilitation under general anesthesia had no effects on postoperative pain reduction. (Pediatr Dent 2019;41(3):181-5) Received August 8, 2018 | Last Revision February 26, 2019 | Accepted March 4, 2019.