Acute chest pain during dental treatment--a case report

Acute chest pain is one of the most common and potentially serious medical emergencies seen in hospital emergency departments. Because the elderly population is generally living to an older age, is more ambulatory, and is seeking more sophisticated dental care, an acute episode of chest pain in the dental office is a potential possibility. This paper will discuss a typical case report with emphasis not only on prevention, but on a step-by-step method for stabilizing any emergency situation that may occur in the dental environment.