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Caries

463 - Prevalence of Dental Caries in First Permanent Molars Following Oral Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia during Childhood: A Retrospective Study from a NYC Health + Hospitals Institution

Saturday, May 23, 2026
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Anish Cheriyan, DDS (he/him/his)

    Pediatric Dental Resident
    Woodhull Medical Center
    Woodhull Medical Center
    NEW HYDE PARK, New York, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • EW

    Emily Weitberg, DMD

    Woodhull Medical Center
    brooklyn, New York, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • SG

    Sumitra Golikeri, DMD

    Program Director
    Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, New York, NY
    brooklyn, New York, United States

Abstract:

Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of dental caries on first permanent molars in pediatric patients who previously underwent full-mouth dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia (GA) involving only primary teeth. Specifically, this study will assess patients treated at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull who received GA prior to the eruption of their first permanent molars and returned for recall examinations. This study aims to better understand the ongoing caries risk in this high-risk population despite completion of comprehensive treatment under GA. The findings seek to highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies, improved follow-up compliance, and early intervention to reduce long-term caries recurrence and protect newly erupted permanent dentition.

Methods:
A retrospective study will be performed on existing electronic health records of pediatric dental
patients who presented to NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull Department of Pediatric Dentistry. Periapical
and bitewing radiographs recorded in DEXIS(dental imaging software) from August 2015 to
August 2025 during recall examinations will be used to examine decay on first permanent molars.

Results:
Among 372 pediatric patients who underwent general anesthesia before eruption of permanent teeth, 39% failed to return for periodic exams, while among those who did return, 37% developed caries. Of the total group, 84 patients developed caries in at least one first permanent molar and 10 required more invasive treatment such as extraction or root canal therapy. Notably, among patients with caries, many had multi-tooth involvement, highlighting the critical need for consistent follow-up and early preventive care.

Conclusions:
This study shows that treatment under GA alone does not decrease future disease risk and underscore the critical role of consistent recall visits, provider education, and early preventive interventions once permanent molars erupt. Based on these results, we expect future changes in post-GA care protocols to emphasize intensified preventive strategies, earlier sealant placement, and structured follow-up programs aimed at reducing caries development in permanent dentition.


Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by BRANY IRB, 25-12-507-124 (HHC).