Question

During the placing of a restoration by the dentist, the young patient jumps out of the dental chair and runs toward the reception area. The patient starts to grasp her neck, making a high-pitched sound, with her face and lips turning blue. What is happening to the patient and what needs to be done immediately? How can dental offices prevent this from happening again to another patient? Include the following information in your response:

a. What signs lead you to understand the type of emergency the patient is experiencing?
b. Describe roles that various dental team members will likely be responsible for during this crisis
c. Describe your role as the dental assistant in responding to this emergency
d. What could happen to the patient if immediate action is not taken?

Answer 1

a)The type of emergency is upper airway obstruction, the signs which shows that it is a airway obstruction is high pitched sound and cyanosis. b)in most of the dental crisis the patient is responsible for it as the patients daily stressand apprehension of going to the dentist. c) As a dental assistant in this airway obstruction the heimlich maneuver is followed it is also known as helmlich subdiaphragmatic abdominal thrust maneuver. d)If in the airway obstruction if immediate action is not taken then first results in asphyxia and later loss of consciusness and later it leads to death.