Estimation and efficient management of endodontic emergencies at a tertiary care hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak was declared as a global pandemic by WHO. Among health workers, dentists including endodontist are particularly at risk of becoming infected as virus is abundantly present in nasopharyngeal and salivary secretions. As the pandemic continues, treatment of the patients will need to change from a palliative to a more permanent treatment approach. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this article was to assess the number of patients who visited dental care facility for emergency treatment and to highlight the management of endodontic emergencies using aerosol or non-aerosol generating procedures to prevent nosocomial spread of infection. Materials and Methods: Total of 595 patients were analyzed for demographic details, preoperative diagnosis was made and patients were categorized according to treatment needs (emergency/urgent/non-emergency) followed by management of patients under complete infection control. Results: 367 cases were diagnosed and considered for endodontic emergency treatment. 144 cases were classified as urgent cases, which includes mainly restorations (24.3%). Few cases also came for routine dental check-up (5.7%) and other minor procedures. Most of the procedures (68%) were aerosol generating, 27% with non-aerosol generating procedures and 5% were given only pharmacotherapy. Conclusion: During COVID-19 pandemic dentist, play an important role in patient awareness and management of patients.All the aerosol generating procedures should be done with the utmost care to control the spread of infection.