Recurrence of early childhood caries after comprehensive treatment with general anesthesia and follow-up

Purpose: Children diagnosed with early childhood caries (ECC) receive comprehensive treatment using general anesthesia at the Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo. The purpose of this study was to determine the likelihood of new caries, and if attendance at immediate follow-up can prevent relapse. Methods: All patients with ECC who had been scheduled for treatment using general anesthesia in the year 2000 were reviewed. The study population was limited to those who had received at least one examination within the 6- to 24-month postoperative period. Results: Of 448 patients with ECC, 193 children satisfied the study criteria. Their ages ranged from 19 to 60 months (mean 41 months). There were 76 (39%) children who had returned for their immediate follow-up appointment. Within 2 years, 103 (53%) children had developed new lesions. The children who had failed to attend their immediate follow-up appointment were more likely to relapse, particularly in the primary dentition. Conclusions: Despite the aggressive treatment of ECC, more than half the patients have new caries lesions within 2 years. The patients who fail to attend their immediate follow-up appointment may be more likely to experience a relapse.