Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office: Challenges and Solutions

• Cardoso , Maria Belen ^[1] ; Brusca , Maria Isabel ^[1] ; Verdu , Sergio Dario ^[1] ; jewtuchowicz , Virginia ^[1]
  1. [1] Universidad Abierta Interamericana

     Universidad Abierta Interamericana

     Argentina

     
• Localización: Odontología: (Montevideo), ISSN-e 3046-4102, Nº. 1, 2023 (Ejemplar dedicado a: Odontologia (Montevideo))
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Introduction: Medical emergencies, although infrequent, represent a challenge in the dental setting due to their potential risk to the patient's life and the need for an immediate response. In Latin America, the aging population and associated comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes, increased the probability of these events in dental offices. Anamnesis and professional preparation were essential to identify risks and prevent complications during dental procedures.Development:The management of medical emergencies in dentistry focused on two key aspects: prevention and intervention. Prevention included the collection of a detailed medical history and constant monitoring of vital signs. On the other hand, immediate intervention, based on protocols such as Basic Life Support (BLS), was essential to avoid serious complications. The most frequent emergencies included syncope, hypoglycemia, seizures and hypertensive crises. The studies underlined the importance of continuous training of dental personnel and the availability of emergency kits, especially in rural areas.Conclusion: Effective management of medical emergencies in dentistry depended on the theoretical and practical training of dentists, as well as the implementation of standardized protocols. The availability of adequate equipment and medications in dental offices significantly improved outcomes. This comprehensive approach ensured a safe environment, minimized risks and strengthened confidence in the dental care system.