Management of dental emergencies at tertiary dental care center, Rohtak during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim: To assess the pattern of emergency dental services provided at the tertiary dental care center, Rohtak during COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Retrospective data analysis was done from the Out-Patient Data registers of the Department treating emergency dental services during COVID-19 pandemic i.e. Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pedodontics and Conservative and Endodontics from March 2020 till October 2020. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel. Results: It was retrieved that maximum patients during the study period seek treatment due to pulpal and periapical pain (43.53%), periodontal pain (7.5%), infected root stumps and mobile teeth (7.18%). Major emergency services were provided in form of extractions (29%), RCTs (21%), restorations (10%), and inter-maxillary fixations (4.2%). Conclusion: The study concludes that most patients in dental emergency were provided with adequate treatment in accordance with the COVID-19 guidelines. The actions now should aim towards assessing the barriers faced by people on account of not receiving dental care and for the consequences that may arise in the light of rapid increase of infection or subsequent wave of reinfection.