Evaluation of the Anesthetic Approach in Children for Dental Treatment Under Deep Sedation

Objective: Daily anesthesia has increased the applicability of dental interventions in children. Our aim in this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of drug combinations used in childhood dental treatment under deep sedation. Material and Methods: A total of 88 children aged 4-11 years ASA I-III that received deep sedation were included in the study. According to the routine protocol of our clinic, the heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, induction agents (fentanyl, ketamine), total propofol consumption, side effects, discharge time and first oral intake time were recorded in the anesthesia forms of deep sedation cases and then statistically evaluated. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the patients’ age, sex, weight, ASA scores, presence of additional disease, weight, duration of anesthesia, duration of dental treatment, number of fillings, number of shots and local anesthesia data. The amount of propofol consumed was found to be statistically significantly higher in group F using fentanyl than in group K using ketamine (p <0.001). The time to discharge was longer with ketamine than with fentanyl (p <0.001). Oral intake in the ketamine group was later than the fentanyl group (p <0.001). When haemodynamic parameters were compared, Group F showed more decrease than Group K (p <0.05). Conclusion: Both anesthesia protocols used for dental treatment are reliable and effective. Patients in the fentanyl group were discharged earlier and lower propofol consumption was observed in the ketamine group. In conclusion, we believe that both combinations may be used for dental treatment under deep sedation in children.