Medical and Dental emergencies in Pediatric dentistry

In pediatric dental clinic one may encounter a medical or a dental emergency which is life threatening. By medical emergency we mean that some underlying systemic condition is present which may exacerbate due to any stimulus resulting in a life threatening situation and the dental emergency is the one in which the cause of emergency is of dental origin like ingestion or aspiration of foreign bodies like endodontic files crowns rubber dam clamps etc or anaphylactic reaction to latex of the gloves and lignocaine component of local anesthesia or other materials which are used in dental operatory. Undertaking a robust process of medical risk assessment will assist in identifying any child who may be at risk of experiencing a medical emergency. Where a child is known to be at risk and they display any symptoms corrective action should be taken. Early intervention in the management of any of the common medical emergencies can prevent further deterioration and ensure a positive outcome for the child. All dental practice settings should have the recommended appropriate equipment and drugs in date and ready for use in managing a child who experiences a medical emergency.