272 - Dental Treatment Considerations for Pediatric Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this 5-year retrospective study was to determine a correlation between dental treatment options and behavior management techniques that favor pediatric patients aged 2-16 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aims to investigate dental treatment trends planned for patients with ASD and the role that behavior and age plays in dental treatment planning for this population.

Methods: A clinical chart review was conducted between January 2019-December 2023 of 2–16-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder. A total of 133 patients were included in the study who fit the criteria. Dental treatment was completed with at least one sedation regimen: nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, or general anesthesia.

Results: The most common sedation regimen was General Anesthesia with the most common behavior score being noted as 1 – Poor. Patients with 3 – Good and 4 – Excellent behavior were most likely to receive dental treatment with Nitrous Oxide alone. Regarding age, the most common age group that had dental treatment completed with nitrous oxide alone was the 11–16-year-old age group, whereas children in the 6–10-year-old age group were more commonly treated with General Anesthesia.

Conclusions: General anesthesia serves as an effective sedation regimen for this population. Providers must consider other factors besides behavior and age when treatment planning.

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