Abstract
Aim: There is an increasing prevalence of orthodontic emergencies presenting at Accident and Emergency departments (A&E) in affluent countries. However, these take up capacity and contribute to increasing pressures and significant strains with regards to cost and utilisation of healthcare resources. The extent of this problem is yet to be determined in the United Kingdom (UK). The aim of this study was to evaluate epidemiological and dental data from orthodontic emergencies in a Level 1 Trauma Centre in the South West region of UK during the period from January 2014 to January 2021.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective data collection from a Microsoft Access database over a 7-year period of all orthodontic patients who presented at A&E and were referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department. Parameters analysed included the demographics, attendance pattern, assessment, and management options. Maxillofacial conditions and traumatic dental injuries were excluded.
Results: Of 3638 attendances, 9 patients (0.2%) had orthodontic-related proble77% of attenders were female. 56% of patients were paediatric and 22% of patients presented out of hours. No patients required admission and 2 patients required either general or local anaesthesia for treatment. 1 patient required suturing whereas the remaining 8 patients (89%) were provided with advice and discharged home. 1 patient was reviewed on an outpatient clinic.
Conclusions: There is an inappropriate presentation of patients with orthodontic emergencies to the A&E department seeking treatment. Many of these presentations can be managed in primary care. Improved signposting to alternative dental services for non-urgent dental conditions may improve the allocation of resources to those with urgent needs. Further research should highlight reasons for this occurrence which will also allow for program planning to implement multilevel interventions to address A&E use for non-traumatic dental problems.
Materials and Methods: Retrospective data collection from a Microsoft Access database over a 7-year period of all orthodontic patients who presented at A&E and were referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department. Parameters analysed included the demographics, attendance pattern, assessment, and management options. Maxillofacial conditions and traumatic dental injuries were excluded.
Results: Of 3638 attendances, 9 patients (0.2%) had orthodontic-related proble77% of attenders were female. 56% of patients were paediatric and 22% of patients presented out of hours. No patients required admission and 2 patients required either general or local anaesthesia for treatment. 1 patient required suturing whereas the remaining 8 patients (89%) were provided with advice and discharged home. 1 patient was reviewed on an outpatient clinic.
Conclusions: There is an inappropriate presentation of patients with orthodontic emergencies to the A&E department seeking treatment. Many of these presentations can be managed in primary care. Improved signposting to alternative dental services for non-urgent dental conditions may improve the allocation of resources to those with urgent needs. Further research should highlight reasons for this occurrence which will also allow for program planning to implement multilevel interventions to address A&E use for non-traumatic dental problems.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 19 Sept 2022 |