Medical emergencies in dentistry: recognition, prevention, and management

Autorët

  • Alba Xhafaj
  • Besmira Malaj
  • Eneida Prifti
  • Skënder Brataj

Abstract

Medical emergencies in dental practice, although relatively uncommon, present significant challenges and risks for both patients and clinicians. Outcomes depend on early recognition, prevention, and prompt, well-coordinated intervention. This chapter provides a comprehensive, academically structured, and clin- ically grounded overview of the most common medical emergencies encountered in dental settings. Em- phasis is placed on pathophysiology, epidemiology, signs and symptoms, prevention strategies, manage- ment protocols, and the essential pharmacological agents required for dental emergency preparedness. The chapter synthesizes evidence-based guidelines and current best practices, serving as an educational resource suitable for dental students, practitioners, and academic instruction.

Keywords:

medical emergencies, dentistry, emergency management, cardiovascular emergencies, respi- ratory emergencies, syncope, anaphylaxis, BLS, emergency preparedness

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

  1. Rosenberg, M. 2010. “Preparing for medical emergencies: The essential drugs and equipment for the dental office.” J Am Dent Assoc. 141(Suppl 5):14S–19S.

  2. Fonner, A., and K. Reed. 2013. “Be prepared: How to handle a medical emergency in the dental office.” Dimensions of Dental Hygiene 11(5):48–51.

  3. Haas, D. 2010. “Preparing dental office staff members for emergencies: developing a basic action plan.” J Am Dent Assoc. 141(Suppl 5):8S–13S.

  4. Rayner, C., and M. Ragan. 2018. “Are you ready for emergency medical services in your oral and maxillofacial surgery office?” Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 30:123–135.

  5. Grimes, E. Medical Emergencies: Essentials for the Dental Professional. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, 2014.

  6. Lawson, L. Medical emergency preparedness in dental practice. Dental Academy of CE, 2019.

  7. American Red Cross. Adult First Aid/CPR/AED: Ready Reference. American Red Cross, 2019.

  8. Sangrik, L. J. 2018. “Malpractice issues surrounding medical emergency preparedness in dentistry.” Dental Economics.

  9. Malamed, S. Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office. 7th ed. St. Louis: Elsevier, 2015.

  10. De Bedout, T., K. Kramer, S. Blanchard, et al. 2018. “Assessing the medical emergency preparedness of dental faculty, residents, and practicing periodontists.” J Dent Educ. 82:492–500.

  11. Ahamed, A. 2016. “Knowledge, attitude, and perceived confidence in handling medical emergencies among dental students.” J Pharm Sci Res. 8:645–649.

  12. Albelaihi, A., A. Alweneen, A. Ettish, and F. Alshahrani. 2017. “Knowledge and confidence in the management of medical emergencies in dental offices.” J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 7:364–371.

  13. Kumarswami, S., A. Tiwari, M. Parmar, et al. 2015. “Evaluation of preparedness for medical emergencies at dental offices: a survey.” J Int Soc Prev Community Dent. 5:47–51.

  14. Pickett, F., and J. Gurenlian. The Medical History: Clinical Implications and Emergency Prevention in Dental Settings. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005.

  15. Wilkins, E. M. Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist. 12th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer, 2017.

  16. Reboussin, D. M., N. B. Allen, M. E. Griswold, et al. 2018. “ACC/AHA guideline for the management of high blood pressure.” Hypertension 71:e116–e135.

Downloads

Published

2025-12-01

How to Cite

Xhafaj, A., Malaj, B., Prifti, E., & Brataj, S. (2025). Medical emergencies in dentistry: recognition, prevention, and management. Optime, 17(2), 20–26. Retrieved from https://www.albanica.al/optime/article/view/9366

Numër

Vëll. 17 No. 2 (2025): Optime

Section

Medicine

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Albanian University