Changes in the characteristics of dental emergencies under the influence of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a retrospective study

Abstract Background Further understanding of the distribution and changing characteristics dental diseases is great significance for all emergency centers strengthening medical staff’s treatment knowledge abilities effective use resources in face public health emergencies involving highly infectious respiratory diseases. Methods The records 4158 patients 2019 2020 were retrospectively analyzed divided into pre-SARS-COV-2 group SARS-COV-2 according to time. demographic data, date time, diagnosis, methods two groups statistically described, chi-squared test was used analyze differences. during same period years pre-group diagnosis chi-square determine Results During pandemic, number visits increased by 29.7%. males (n = 286, 58.1%) more likely visit trauma than females 206, 41.9%) ( P < 0.05); 242, 60.8%) acute gingivitis pericoronitis 156, 39.2%) 0.05). A major change related pulpitis (K04.0) apical periodontitis (K04.4), which 9.2%; (K05.0) (K05.2) 3.5%; open wound lip oral cavity (S01.5) decreased 17.9%; other conditions (non-emergency diseases) 6.8%, compared with period. Among modalities, period, 304 (17.7%) received a prescription antibiotics analgesics, 1485 (86.5%) local treatment. 958 (39.2%) 1636 (67.0%) Conclusion pandemic led changes patients. Trauma, pulpitis, are leading reasons refer centers. Dental should optimize procedures, staff, reasonably allocate materials improve on-site capacity provide adequate care.