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Dental Office Emergencies
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Flashcards
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Fainting (Syncope)
Place patient in a supine position, elevate legs, and ensure an open airway. Monitor vital signs and administer oxygen if necessary. Allow patient to recover and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Hypoglycemia
If the patient is conscious and able to swallow, provide a sugary drink or snack. Monitor patient closely and consider glucose tablets if available. If there's no improvement, seek medical help.
Epistaxis (Nose Bleed)
Instruct the patient to lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose. Apply a cold compress to the nose and cheeks. If bleeding persists for more than 10-15 minutes, seek medical attention.
Burned Oral Mucosa
Promptly cool the burned area with cold water. Advise the patient to avoid hot foods and beverages. Prescribe topical anesthetic gels or mouthwashes to alleviate pain if necessary.
Orthodontic Bracket or Wire Injury
Cover the protruding wire with orthodontic wax to prevent injury to oral tissues. Advise the patient not to attempt cutting the wire. Promptly schedule an appointment with an orthodontist for repair.
Anaphylaxis
Administer epinephrine auto-injector immediately and call for emergency help. Place patient in a comfortable position, typically semi-reclined if breathing is difficult, and monitor vital signs.
Angina Attack
Have the patient stop any activity and rest. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin if prescribed. Monitor vital signs and if pain persists for more than a few minutes, call for emergency assistance.
Hemorrhage
Apply direct pressure to the bleeding site. Use disposable gloves for protection. If bleeding does not stop, use additional gauze and seek emergency assistance.
Breath Odor
Check for and remove any foreign objects from the mouth. Offer dental cleaning if due to poor hygiene. If the problem persists, advise the patient to see a physician for further evaluation.
Asthma Attack
Assist the patient to a position that makes breathing easier. Administer a rescue inhaler (bronchodilator) if the patient has one. Monitor patient’s breathing and call for emergency help if no improvement.
Allergic Reaction
Identify the allergen and discontinue its use. Administer antihistamine if the patient is conscious and it's available. For severe reactions, use epinephrine auto-injector and call for emergency help.
Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
Call for emergency help immediately. Have the patient sit in a comfortable position, administer aspirin if available and not contraindicated. Monitor vital signs until help arrives.
Broken Tooth
Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Apply cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling. Advise the patient to avoid chewing on that side and see a dentist as soon as possible.
Dislodged Dental Restorative Material
Inform the patient to keep the dislodged piece if found. Protect the affected tooth to prevent sensitivity or further damage. Schedule a dental appointment for repair or replacement of the restorative material.
Oral Laceration
Rinse the mouth gently with saline solution to clean the wound. Apply direct pressure using a gauze pad to stop bleeding. If the wound is large or bleeding persists, refer to emergency services or oral surgeon.
Postural Hypotension
Help patient to sit or lie down safely. Elevate the legs to increase blood flow to the brain. Monitor vital signs and if symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
Seizure
Ensure patient safety by clearing the area of hard or sharp objects. Place something soft under patient’s head, do not restrain or put anything in the mouth. After seizure, reposition to prevent aspiration and monitor breathing.
Hypertensive Crisis
Reassure and calm the patient; high stress can exacerbate the situation. Monitor blood pressure and call for emergency help if it's excessively high. Avoid any dental procedures until cleared by a physician.
Dental Abscess
Rinse the mouth with warm salt water. Advise the patient not to puncture the abscess. Prescribe antibiotics if necessary, and refer for dental treatment to drain the abscess and address the infection.
Acute Pulpitis
Advise pain management with over-the-counter analgesics. Encourage the patient to avoid stimuli that cause pain (hot, cold, sweet). Schedule an urgent dental appointment for evaluation and treatment.
Choking
Encourage patient to cough. If ineffective and patient can’t breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver. If the patient becomes unresponsive, initiate CPR and call for emergency assistance.
Lost Dental Crown
Instruct to keep the crown in a safe place to use for re-cementing. Advise the patient to avoid sticky and hard foods. Schedule an urgent dental appointment for possible re-cementation.
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