2. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
IN DENTAL PRACTICE
Dr. Naresh Sen
MD(Medicine), DM (Cardio),
PhD(Cardio), FACC , FESC,
FRCP, FACP, FRSM, FCCP,FAHA
CONSULTANT CARDIOLOGIST 2
6. Comprehensive medical history
Vigilant observation & prompt recognition of
symptoms of an emergency
Basic life support
Affiliation to definitive medical care
6
10. CLASS I: Healthy patient with no systemic
disease.
CLASS II: Patient with mild systemic disease
with no limits on activity.
CLASS III: Patient with severe systemic
disease that limits activity.
CLASS IV: Patient with incapacitating
systemic disease that is life threatening.
CLASS V: Terminal moribund patient.
10
13. “Sudden transient loss of consciousness in which
one shows no responsiveness to non-deliberate
environmental stimuli”
Predisposing factors:
STRESS
IMPAIRED PHYSICAL CONDITION
HYPOGLYCEMIA
Webster-Merriam’s Medical Dictionary. 12th ed.
Baltimore:Williams;2011.“syncope”;p.348
13
14. Via prevention of predisposing factors:
Use of psychosedative drugs
ingestion-alprazolam(4mg), diazepam(5mg)
i.m/i.v administration-butorphenol(1mg), midazolam(5mg)
inhalation-N2O+O2 (15%+85%)
Persuasion/Hypnosis
14
MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL EMERGENCIES IN
DENTAL PRACTICE - 60
16. 16
Pt attains upright
position
SBP falls =<60mm of Hg
due to ANS response
failure
Cerebral blood
flow<critical level
Loss of consciousness
Supination=revival
PATHOLOGY
Drugs
Prolonged
recumbency /
convalescence
Late stage
pregnancy
Varicosities
Addison’s Disease
Severe exhaustion
Shy-Drager
Syndrome
ETIOLOGY
17. 17
Cause1
• Sudden supplement withdrawal
in Addison’s disease pts.
Cause2
• Stress, either physiological or
psychological.
Cause3
• Bilateral adrenalectomy pts.
Cause4
• Trauma/thrombosis/tumour of
adrenals
Syncope caused due to lack of an adrenaline response in
medullary deficient patients resulting from:-
21. EPILEPSY- “A chronic brain disorder of various etiologies
characterized by recurrent seizures due to excessive
neuronal discharge”
SEIZURE/ICTUS- “A paroxysmal disorder of cerebral
function characterized by a short attack involving changes
in the state of consciousness, motor activity, or sensory
phenomena”
TONUS- “Neuromuscular dysfunction characterised by
sustained contraction and tonicity of all striated muscles”
Webster-Merriam’s Medical Dictionary. 12th ed. Baltimore:Williams;2011. “Epilepsy”, “Seizure”, “Tonus”;
p166,327,428
21
22. CLONUS- “An abnormality in neuromuscular activity
characterized by rapidly alternating muscular
contraction and relaxation”
POST-ICTAL PHASE- “A phase of centralised
neuronal depression following a clonic seizure in
which the subject demonstrates generalised
muscular relaxation observable as deep slumber”
STATUS EPILEPTICUS- “A prolonged repetitive
seizure with no recovery between attacks leading to
a life-threatening emergency situation”
Webster-Merriam’s Medical Dictionary. 12th ed. Baltimore:Williams;2011.“Clonus”, “Post-Ictal Phase”,
“Status Epilepticus”; p98,279,369
22
23. TYPE I-Absence Seizures/Petit Mal Epilepsy
TYPE II-Myoclonic Seizures
TYPE III-Clonic Seizures
TYPE IV-Tonic Seizures
TYPE V-Tonic-Clonic Seizures/Grand Mal Epilepsy
TYPE-VI-Atonic Seizures
23
78%
11%
3%
4.8%
1%
2.2
%
24. If pt is a known epileptic, make sure he/she has
taken their regular dose of anti-convulsant on the
day of appointment.
Instruct him/her to alert you as the aura of the
impending seizure manifests itself.
Inhalational sedation, based on individualised
severity levels.
Keep life support equipment ready in case of an
emergent status epilepticus.
24
25. Self limiting emergency
Remove dangerous objects from the mouth and
around the pt.eg. sharp instruments, needles,
etc.
Loosen any tight clothing.
Avoid restraining the pt.
In case the ictus fails to subside within a
maximum of 10 minutes, declare status
epilepticus and proceed with BLS + definitive
care. 25
27. May occur due to:
Pathology in the airway
Dental instruments
Tongue
Patient demonstrates symptoms ranging from
coughing, gurgling, gagging to choking & gasping with
panic.
Aspired object may pass into the trachea or the
oesophagus
27
29. Rubber dam
Oral packing
Chair position
Dental assistant
Magill’s intubation forceps
29
30. Re-establishment of airway:
NON INVASIVE PROCEDURES
o Forceful coughing
o Back blows
o Heimlich Maneuver
o Chest thrust
o Finger sweeps
INVASIVE PROCEDURES
o Tracheotomy
o Cricothyrotomy
30
32. Excessive rate and depth of respiration leading to
abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood
primarily predisposed to anxiety.
Characterised by:
Rapid short strained breaths
Cold Sweats
Palpitations
Dizziness
Chest muscle fatigue
Prevention includes practicing stress reduction
protocols and administration of psychosedatives.
32
33. Anxiety
Increased rate and depth of
respiration
Increased O2/CO2 exchange by
lungs
Excessive CO2 blow off>>paCO2
decreases
Hypocapnia=decreased HCO3 ion
conc.
Increased blood
pH>>RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS
PATHOLOGY
Position pt UPRIGHT comfortably
Reassure pt & stabilise vitals
Remove dental
materials/instruments from pt’s
mouth
Re-establish O2:CO2 ratio by
inhalation of exhaled air(85%:15%)
Check vitals & patient status again
Resume treatment procedure
MANAGEMENT
33
34. A clinical state of hyper reactivity of the
tracheobronchial tree, characterized by recurrent
paroxysms of dyspnea and wheezing
In diagnosed pts, not an emergency.
Results from constriction of smooth muscles of the
tracheobronchial tree resulting from infection,
inflammation or a genetic disposition.
34
36. EXTRINSIC OR ALLERGIC ASTHMA
The allergens may be airborne – house dust, feathers,
animal dander, furniture stuffing, fungal spores, or plant
pollens.
Food and drugs – cow’s milk, egg, fish, chocolate,
shellfish, tomatoes, penicillins, vaccines , asprin, and
sulfites.
Type I hypersensitivity reaction – Ig E antibodies
produced in response to allergen
Approximately, 50% asthmatic children become
symptomatic before reaching adulthood
36
37. Usually develops in adult age > 35 years
Non allergic factors – respiratory infection, physical
exertion, environmental and air pollution, and
occupational stimuli.
Psychological and physiologic stress can also
contribute to asthmatic episodes.
Acute episodes are usually more fulminant and
severe than those of extrinsic asthma. Long-term
prognosis also less optimistic.
37
INTRINSIC OR IDIOSYNCRATIC OR NON-ATOPIC
ASTHMA
38. 38
Recognise symptoms
Stop dental procedure
Position pt upright or bending forwards with arms
straight ahead
Administer bronchodilator
Episode terminates?
YES NO
Continue dental procedure Declare status asthmaticus
Summon EMS
40. Heart recieves blood via coronaries
Coronaries narrow down due to
cholesterol
Reduced nutrition to respective cardiac
muscle
Treatment anxiety leads to palpitations
Greater oxygen requirements for greater
pumping
Acute Coronary
Syndrome(ACS)
ANGINA
PECTORIS
MYOCARDIAL
INFARCTION
40
41. Definition- “A condition marked by severe pain in the
chest, often also spreading to the shoulders, arms, and
neck, owing to an indequate blood supply to the heart.”
Types:
Stable (classic or exertional)
Variant (prinzmetal , vasospastic)
Unstable (crescendo, acute coronary insufficiency)
Prevention includes stress reduction protocol,
reassurance & psychosedation.
Webster-Merriam’s Medical Dictionary. 12th ed. Baltimore:Williams;2011. “Angina Pectoris”; p73
41
42. Recognize problem (chest pain – angina attack)
Discontinue dental treatment
Activate office emergency team
P – Position, patient comfortably usually upright
A → B → C –Assess and perform BLS
D – definitive management
HISTORY OF ANGINA PRESENT NO HISTORY OF ANGINA
Administer vasodilator and O2 Activate EMS
Transmucosal nitroglycerine spray O2 and nitroglycerine
Or sublingual nitroglycerine tablet Monitor and record
0.3 – 0.6 mg for every 5 min (3 doses)
IF PAIN RESOLVES IF PAIN DOES NOT RESOLVE
continue with dental procedure summon medical care
Administer aspirin
Continue to monitor and record vital
signs
42
43. DEFINITION- “A clinical syndrome caused by deficient
coronary arterial blood supply resulting in ischaemia to a
region of the myocardium and causing cellular death and
necrosis.”
Predisposing Factors:
Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease
Coronary thrombosis, occlusion and spasm
Males
5th and 6th decades of life
Undue stress
Webster-Merriam’s Medical Dictionary. 12th ed. Baltimore:Williams;2011. “Myocardial Infarction”; p197
43
44. Avoid overstressing the patient
Supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula or nasal hood
during the treatment – 3-5 L/min and 5 – 7 L/min
Pain control during therapy – appropriate use of local
anesthesia – smaller dose with maximum effect – slow
administration
Psychosedation – N2O – O2 is preferable
It is strongly recommended that elective dental care is
avoided until at least 6months after MI
Inferior alveolar NB and Posterior superior alveolar NB –
risk of hemorrhage – should be avoided
44
45. Protocol common for both ACS outcomes
NOTE: In a patient experiencing chest pain for the
very first time, summon medical assistance
immediately before any self-support measures.
Thereafter, continue with immediate emergency
protocol as with AP.
45
48. In a dental practice, commonest overdosage>>LA
Predisposing factors for over dosage:
Pt age/body wt
Route of administration
Presence of vasoconstrictor
Type of local anaesthetic
Drug dosage formulation vital
48
D
H
X
50. Administer basic life support
100% oxygen, anticonvulsants
Allow recovery to occur
In case of continuation of symptoms, summon EMS.
50
51. DEFINITION- “A hypersensitive state of skin and
various mucosae acquired through exposure to a
particular allergen, reexposure to which
produces a heightened emergent capacity to
react”
Occuring via expression
of IgE in response to
allergen exposure
51
52. Reassure pt.
Initiate basic life support as needed.
Administer antihistaminics (diphenhydramine 50mg),
epinephrine 0.123-0.3ml of 1:1000 i.m /s.c
Monitor vitals regularly.
Summon EMS
52
55. Injury made with any sharp instrument, not just.
Encountered more commonly by the practitioner.
Stop procedure immediately.
Wash skin with disinfectant.
Treat with running water and encourage bleeding
Dry area and cover with antiseptic dressing
Recording medical history vital in case of an exposed
needle situation.
Seek antidotal vaccination or treatment if necessary.
55
56. Invariably associated with faulty techniques such
as:
bending the needle while administering LA
inserting the needle upto the hub
directing the needle against resistance
May also occur if pt jerks head during
administration.
Most commonly with IANB.
Elasticity of soft tissue produces rebound,
burying the fragment within.
56
57. Inform pt of the occurance, tell him/her to remain
calm, keep mouth open and refrain from any jaw
movements.
Retrieve the fragment, if visible, with a haemostat.
A buried fragment needs to be located ASAP using
radiographs or CT scans & retrieved surgically.
57
59. ALWAYS BE PREPARED
Prompt recognition and efficient management of
medical emergencies by a well-prepared dental team
can increase the likelihood of a safe & satisfactory
outcome.
Basic life support training- A MUST
As always, prevention is better than cure.
59
60. Malamed SF. Medical Emergencies in the Dental
Practice. 4th ed. Baltimore: Elsevier; 2007
Limmer D, O’Keefe M. Emergency Care. 10th ed.
St.Louis: Macmillan Co; 2010
Malik NA. Textbook of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
2nd ed. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Pub; 2008
60
61. Haas DA. Management of Medical Emergencies
in the Dental Office: Conditions in Each Country,
the Extent of Treatment by the Dentist. J Anaesth
Prog 2006;53(2):20-24
Geller S, Malamed SF. Knowing Your Patient. J
Am Dent Assoc 2010;104:3S-7S
61