Comparison of Canine Overlap in Pediatric Patients Requiring Stainless Steel Crown Placement under General Anesthesia before and after the Procedure

Despite the increasing popularity of pediatric dental treatments under general anesthesia, information is scarce regarding occlusal changes in patients that receive stainless steel crowns (SSCs) under general anesthesia. This study sought to compare canine overlap before and after general anesthesia in children who received SSCs under general anesthesia. In case of change, the possibility of return to the preoperative state and time required for this process were also evaluated.   This interventional before and after study was performed on 60 children between 2 to 7 years requiring dental treatment under general anesthesia. The contact point of the most prominent area of the maxillary primary canine and mandibular primary canine was marked before and immediately after general anesthesia and one and two weeks later. The change in canine overlap was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and linear regression test. Canine overlap significantly decreased immediately after general anesthesia (P<0.05). The mean magnitude of bite opening was 0.51±0.22 mm at the site of right canine and 0.50±0.185 mm at the site of left canine. These values returned to their normal preoperative state after one week (P<0.05). Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences in this respect between time points (P=0.002). Occlusion and vertical dimension of pediatric patients may change following dental treatment under general anesthesia; the magnitude of change in canine overlap may vary depending on the class of occlusion and number of SSCs placed. These changes are temporary and often resolve within a week.