Emergency dentistry is a specialty that deals with the management of significant oral health problems. Most people do not know what constitutes a dental emergency, leading to loss of precious time before seeking medical attention. Here is what you need to know about Midtown emergency dentistry procedures.
The Requirements for Emergency Dentistry
To acquire any emergency treatment, a consent form must be signed in order to provide any of the following services.
Most emergency dental procedures are outpatient. Emergency dentistry procedures are usually offered to:
- Patients presenting traumatic injuries
- Patients requiring analgesics or antibiotics
- Patients requiring parenteral hydration or feeding
- Patients requiring airway management
Types of Dental Emergencies
- Intraoral emergencies
Intraoral emergencies usually present as:
- a) Odontogenic pain: Conditions that clinically present as odontogenic pain include hypersensitivity of dentin or cementum, pulpal hyperemia, acute pulpitis (early), acute suppurative pulpitis (later stage), non-vital pulp with periapical inflammation, acute periapical disease, also known as an alveolar abscess, maxillary sinusitis with referred pain to teeth, coronal fracture, or dental pain of another origin.
- b) Soft tissue lesions: Examples of conditions that clinically present as soft tissue lesions include periodontal abscess, necrotizing ulcerative, gingivitis or periodontitis, herpes simplex infection, primary herpetic gingivostomatitis, recurrent herpes, aphthous ulcers, burns, or human bites.
- Postoperative Emergencies
Postoperative complications may be in the form of:
- a) Bleeding: Postoperative bleeding varies depending on the location. Excess blood can ooze from the extraction or bony surgery site, gingiva, or postoperative soft-tissue incisions.
- b) Post extraction pain
- c) Nausea and vomiting
- Odontogenic Infections
Odontogenic infections usually cause pain and swelling in the face and neck region.
- Salivary Gland Emergencies
- a) Acute parotid infections
- b) Obstructive sialadenitis
- Maxillofacial Trauma
Maxillofacial trauma emergencies include:
- a) Dental and dentoalveolar trauma
- b) Mandibular trauma
- c) Midface trauma
- d) Soft tissue wounds
- Temporomandibular Joint Emergencies
TMJ emergencies include:
- a) Acute condylar dislocation
- b) Acute myofascial pain
- c) Traumatic hemarthrosis
Importance of Diagnostics in Emergency Dentistry
Clinical presentation of certain dental conditions could be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Your dentist should first perform a thorough physical examination to prevent the ramifications of a misdiagnosis. A complete diagnostic involves reviewing the patient’s medical and dental history. Physical assessment may include additional radiographic and laboratory testing.
Emergency Dentistry Treatment Options
Emergency dentistry treatment options vary depending on the type of dental concerns a patient presents. Your dentist will design an ideal treatment plan for you, depending on your diagnostic results. Emergency dental treatments include the use of pain medication, x-rays, fillings, root canals, teeth extractions, and surgery.
It is essential to have a primary dental care provider within your proximity to access emergency dental care in time. Remember, all dental concerns require care. Your attending nurse will evaluate your condition and determine whether your condition is critical or non-critical. Visit Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates website to understand the symptoms of various emergency dental conditions.