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Medical and Dental Care Emergencies

The primary purpose of a patient visit to the dental office is to allow their doctor and/or dental auxiliary to perform a dental treatment that will aid in the improvement of their overall oral health. The primary goal of the doctor is to perform this treatment as effectively and as safely as possible. Patients give little thought to the possibility that some unforeseen medical emergency might arise in the period of time during which they are in the dental office.

Many of the things done by the doctor and staff prior to, and during, the dental treatment are done to minimize the risk of a medical emergency. For example, the medical history questionnaire, recording of blood pressure, and discussion of a patient's health history help to determine what potential risks might be present and enables the doctor to modify the planned dental treatment to minimize the potential risks. In many instances, the use of conscious sedation will be indicated as a means of decreasing stress associated with dental care. This is especially important in persons with cardiovascular diseases (such as high blood pressure or angina) who might be somewhat fearful of visiting the dentist. The use of effective drugs for pain control (such as local anesthetics) is yet another means of minimizing the risk of medical emergencies developing during treatment.

In the unlikely event that a medical emergency does occur while a patient is in the dental office, one should know that (it is highly likely) the doctor has received training in the management of medical emergencies that develop frequently.

Amongst the more commonly observed medical emergencies in dental offices are fainting, seizures, acute asthmatic attacks, allergy, and chest pain (angina).

Virtually all of these emergencies occur as a result of fear and anxiety. Therefore, it becomes very important for the patient to advise their doctor if they are apprehensive about their dental treatment. Steps usually can be taken which will prevent these situations from occurring.

Additionally, in many states it is mandatory for all dentists to be certified in basic life support (CPR) on a regular basis. In many dental offices, additional staff personnel are also trained in this very important technique.

Dental offices maintain an emergency supply of oxygen, as well as commonly used emergency equipment and drugs.

And finally, most dental offices are located in close proximity to their community's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system (9-1-1). A telephone call activating this system will provide well-trained life-saving medical assistance within a few minutes.

By Stanley F. Malamed, DDS

Four Ways To Be Understood By Your Dentist

What do you want from your relationship with your dentist? Oftentimes, this question is answered when there is a dental problem or emergency requiring immediate attention. There is a different approach to your relationship with your dentist that relates to your own needs and dental health. This approach is designed to help you create the kind of experiences you want with your dentist.

You have a choice about this relationship and how it can support and assist you in your life. It begins with the simple question stated at the beginning of this article: What do you want from your relationship with your dentist?

The answer to this question can take many forms. For some people it may mean having a lot of information about their dental health and future. They seek facts to know they are making good, informed decisions. Others may want a friendly relationship in which openness and communication are valued. They want information but, more importantly, they want to know they are important to the dentist and the dental team. Some individuals want minimal information and discussion -- just the facts and the solutions to take care of any dental or dental financing problem.

We all have different wants in our relationships with health professionals such as dentists. Here are four tips to assist you in deciding what you want in your relationship with your dentist:

• Do you want a lot of detailed information about actual problems or potential problems or do you prefer a quick summary of data with recommendations about what to do?
• Do you like to make quick decisions or do you prefer to think about things before you act?
• Do you like to talk about what is happening or do you prefer to have your dentist just tell you what is going on?
• Do you want the dentist to describe a problem situation and solution with pictures so you can see what it happening or do you prefer to go on gut feeling?

Each person looks for different things in their relationships. It is your responsibility to determine what you want and look for that in the relationship with your dentist. The answers to the questions above will tell you something about this.

The next step is communicating what you want so that you are understood. Only you know when someone else understands you. Here are four tips to assist you in this communication process:

• Tell your dentist that you have some ideas about how he or she can assist you with your dental health and dental financing.
• Ask when it would be a good time to discuss your needs and desires for your dental care and relationship with your dentist.
• Communicate what you want and how that will help you.
• If you had a negative experience in the past with another dental professional, always discuss what happened. Past hurts or disappointments have a way of negatively influencing present situations that are similar in nature.

Communicating what you want is important to your dentist for it is the best way for him or her to plan for the optimal dental health for you.

By Brian DesRoches, PhD

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