360 - Success of Restorations Placed for Patients 3-8 Years Old under Oral Conscious Sedation

Abstract:

Purpose: Oral conscious sedation (OCS) is used in pediatric dentistry to facilitate safe and effective treatment in anxious, pre-cooperative, or high-risk patients. This study evaluated the clinical success of restorations completed under OCS.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients aged 3–8 years treated with OCS at Stony Brook Dental Care Clinic between July 2022 through July 2025. Cases were identified through the electronic health record. Data collected included patient demographics, restoration type, and need for retreatment or emergency care. Clinical success was defined as restoration retention, absence of recurrent caries or failure, and no need for retreatment or emergency intervention. Descriptive and non-comparative statistical analyses were performed.

Results: Approximately 74% of treatments completed under OCS were successful without further intervention, while 21% required retreatment, most commonly as planned repeat sedation rather than emergency care. Composite restorations demonstrated the highest failure rates, followed by stainless steel crowns without pulp therapy. Full-coverage restorations combined with pulp therapy showed the greatest durability.

Conclusion: OCS is an effective modality for completing dental treatment in young pediatric patients. Restoration success appears to be influenced more by treatment selection than technique, with definitive full-coverage restorations demonstrating improved outcomes in high caries-risk populations.