Acceptance of dental care following early extractions under rectal sedation with diazepam in preschool children

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of amnesia in preschool children on their later acceptance of dental care. Forty-six 4-6-year-old children, who between 2 and 4 years previously had had primary incisors extracted because of trauma, were reexamined for dental health and acceptance of dental care. The extractions had been performed under rectal sedation with diazepam (0.7 mg/kg body weight). Information about dental treatment and degree of cooperation during the intervening period was obtained from records at the referring clinic. The parents were interviewed about their child's experience of amnesia concerning the extractions, background variables, and experiences of dental care before the follow-up examination. Amnesia concerning the extractions was reported in 85% of the children. Twenty-nine percent had on some occasion exhibited behavior management problems (BMP) during the intervening period. Lack of amnesia was significantly associated with BMP (P < 0.002). Children without amnesia concerning the extractions tended to accept dental care less well at the reexamination. Parents were able to predict their child's acceptance of dental care at the follow-up with a significant degree of success (P = 0.02). In conclusion, amnesia in preschool children concerning extractions seems to be essential to facilitate positive acceptance of future dental care.