Walk-in Emergencies in Dentistry

Introduction: Most dentistry is practiced in small private practices, but also in large Institutional clinics. Treatment is usually by appointment, yet often patients present unexpectedly, frequently distressed, complaining and claiming problems arising from their teeth. Suffering derived from oro-dental diseases manifests in many different ways. Aim: This appraisal groups common dentally related emergencies into six fundamental categories: Pain, Infection, Trauma, Hemorrhage, Allergy, Oncology, and assists with urgent decision-taking for therapy. Most dental treatment is elective and any reaction to dental procedures are usually constrained, controlled or prevented. Each category reviews approaches and in principle determines what policies of practice need to be implemented. A precis of serious emergencies that may precipitate with patients while in a dental operatory is indicated. Conclusion: This grouping of walk-in- emergencies guides clinicians to quickly decide on treatment, and which presentation demands immediate attention. The need for follow-up management and prophylaxis is stressed.