Dental emergencies at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Background: Dental emergencies represent a significant burden in both developed and developing countries, often requiring immediate intervention to manage pain, infection, trauma, or life-threatening complications. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the spectrum, frequency, and demographic distribution of dental emergencies presenting at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Methods: A retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted on all dental emergencies presenting to UPTH’s Dental Out-Patient Clinic and Emergency Department from January 2023 to December 2024. Data were collected from clinical records and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: A total of 1,598 cases were recorded, with the majority (94.1%) presenting at the dental out-patient clinic. The mean age of the patients was 33.2 ± 16.8 years, and females accounted for 59.0% of the cases. Odontogenic infections were the most common emergencies (86.5%), particularly acute apical periodontitis (61.5%). Traumatic dental injuries constituted 6.4%, while jaw and soft tissue trauma accounted for 3.9%. Significant associations were found between type of emergency and age, gender, and route of presentation (p < 0.001). Trauma-related cases were predominantly seen in males and presented more frequently at the emergency unit. Conclusion: Dental emergencies at UPTH were predominantly odontogenic infections presenting at the out-patient clinic, while trauma-related cases were more likely to present through the emergency department.