Management of an emergency: to be prepared for the unwanted event

Every dental office needs an adequate emergency treatment structure. While theoretical and practical pregraduate education in emergency medicine is included (in differing degrees) in the curricula of dental schools throughout the world, postgraduate training is generally undertaken on a voluntary basis. Repeated training in emergency techniques is encouraged for the dentist and dental office staff, as the trained and coordinated action of the whole team in the dental office is necessary when an emergency occurs. Whenever possible, a recognized risk factor should be eliminated or its possible influence minimized prior to dental treatment. Patients requiring immediate dental therapy will need appropriate monitoring, adequate application of systemically acting drugs, or even treatment under standby conditions. Diagnostic equipment as well as equipment for monitoring the respiratory and cardiovascular systems should be available. Several monitors (blood pressure, ECG, and pulsoximetry) have been introduced to dentistry and have their indications in special patient groups. Clear therapeutic concepts are the endpoint of proper emergency management. The restoration of an undisturbed vital function has to be achieved, followed by detailed therapy. Dentists should refresh their knowledge of emergency treatment techniques and prepare themselves with therapeutic guidelines.