240 - Dental Emergencies Pre and Post COVID-19 : A Retrospective Study.

Purpose: To Evaluate the effect of Covid-19 on the dental emergencies among pediatric patients seen at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM).

Methods:   A retrospective chart review of emergency appointments at TUSDM during the period 09/01/2018 to 08/31/2021 (3 years) was done. Data collected included demographics, diagnosis of the dental condition, pain status, patient status of compliance and time of visit (pre/post COVID-19).

Results: There were 1102 emergency appointments. Patient age range was 0 to 21 years. Males represent 53%, while females represented 47% of all emergency visits. Pulp-related infection was the most common reason for the emergency visit (53%), followed by eruption-related concerns (14%), trauma (13%), orthodontic-treatment concerns (10%) and other (9.5%). Fifty-six percent of emergency patients complained of pain. The percentage of infection after COVID-19 increased significantly (P < .001) when compared to before COVID-19 (56% and 44% respectively). Patients who were non-complaint with recare appointments were more likely to have an infection-related emergency (39%) when compared to patients who were compliant (21%). Additionally, patient compliance in both groups has decreased after the start of the pandemic.

Conclusion: Pulp related infections represented the most common cause of dental emergency visits. Patients presenting for emergencies who were non-compliant with recare appointments were more likely due to infection when compared to compliant patients.