Not knowing the medical history of patients and treating them could be harmful and the treatment might even lead to death, warned Dr. A.K. Adhyapok, MDS (Pedo) MDS (OMFS), principal and HoD, Regional Dental College, Guwahati.

Dr. A.K. Adhyapok was speaking as the chief guest at the first scientific session of Indian Dental Association (IDA) Nagaland state branch, two-day 10th annual general meeting cum continuing dental education at Highway-39, Go-Karting, Purana Bazar, Dimapur, Tuesday.

Speaking on the topic 'Management of medical emergencies in dental practice' Dr. Adhyapok stated that medical history was an essential component in treating the patients and asked the doctors present to be familiar with their patients by asking simple questions based on their health.

Dr. Adhyapok said that about 90% of emergencies could be prevented but 10% would occur in spite of best efforts by the doctors. Cautioning on the usage of local anesthesia, he said that it should be heated to body temperature before using it and asked the doctors to at least wait for 20-30 minutes before any further procedure.

Briefing on several medical emergencies that could occur, he advised the doctors to feed oral glucose or sugar candy to diabetic patients when they fall into hypoglycaemia also known as diabetic coma.

He also said that patients who suffer from upper airway obstruction (choke) should be encouraged to cough, give back blows, heimlich's abdominal thrust or cricothyrodotomy.

Some of the goals highlighted by Dr. Adhyapok in medical emergency were developing a sense of vigilance and anticipation to life threatening emergency, identifying the most frequent medical emergencies, identifying the situations most likely to lead to a medical emergency and knowing the most important drugs needed to treat medical emergencies occurring in the dental office.

Earlier, the scientific session was declared open by additional director, health and family welfare, Nagaland, Dr. N. Savino. Fifty dentists from all over the state attended the session. It was learned that the registration to the event could continue till November 30.