Effect of local anesthesia on postoperative pain and hemostasis after dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia in pediatric patients: a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effect of local anesthesia (LA) on postoperative pain and hemostasis after dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia (DRGA) in pediatric patients.

METHODS

A total of 43 patients, aged 3-7 years and rated ASA I or II, who had a definitely negative rating on Frankel's behavior rating scale, were included in this two-arm, parallel-design, single-blinded, randomized, controlled study. The patients were allocated equally into two main groups receiving both restorative treatments and tooth extractions. Two pain scales and one bleeding scale were used. In Group A, the treatment was done with LA, and in Group B, the treatment was done without LA.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the pain scores between the groups. It also revealed significant differences in the bleeding scores between the groups but no significant differences in the duration of bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, the use of LA in pediatric dental patients undergoing DRGA had no effects on postoperative pain reduction or bleeding duration after teeth extraction. We also observed that the use of LA had an impact on the reduction in the bleeding scores in pediatric dental patients undergoing DRGA.