Abstract :
The purpose of this study is to discuss the scope of general anaesthesia in paediatric dentistry. This article includes the indications, contra indications and the various guidelines undertaken while considering general anaesthesia for paediatric patients. We started the review with the history of general anaesthesia and how it started with the aim of achieving painless dentistry. Nowadays the scope of general anaesthesia ranges from extensive dentistry to children with medical conditions in need of dental treatment. Preoperative evaluation is mandatory when selecting a case for general anaesthesia. The success of general anaesthesia is affected by factors which includes patient information (pre and post operative instructions) and premedication. Since the AAPD recognizes that there exists a patient population for whom routine dental care using non-pharmacologic behaviour guidance techniques is difficult, hence general anaesthesia can be considered a viable approach.
Keyword :
General anaesthesia, paediatric dentistry, paediatrics