Emergent periodontal conditions: An overview

Dental emergency patients present often with periodontal conditions which they deem emergent. Most of these disease states are acute, although some are more associated with chronic ulcerative lesions, such as those seen in desquamative gingivitis cases. Pain or discomfort is the usual reason these patients seek treatment, in addition to swelling, infection, and/or bleeding/suppuration. Oral health care practitioners should have available to them a systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, leading to resolution and improved quality of life for their patients. This article describes common periodontal emergencies, their etiology, and the clinical management of these disorders.