Dental Emergency Classification — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: D — Persistent post-extraction bleeding that is not controlled by pressure
Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · E = shown as B · B = shown as C · A = shown as D · C = shown as E
A is correct. SDCEP advises initial firm pressure for post-extraction bleeding; if bleeding fails to stop or restarts, and remains uncontrolled after the advised pressure measures, the patient should seek emergency dental care or NHS24/111 assessment. Emergency dental care requires immediate contact with a dental adviser, ideally within 60 minutes. Mild dentine hypersensitivity does not require emergency assessment. A loose orthodontic bracket without trauma is not an emergency, although it may need routine repair. A small painless enamel chip has no acute threat, and a painless lost temporary crown is a non-urgent restorative problem. The key discriminator is persistent uncontrolled haemorrhage, not simply the presence of a dental defect or inconvenience.
Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP). Management of Acute Dental Problems, 2nd edition (March 2026), "Post-extraction haemorrhage". https://www.acutedentalproblems.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/management-of-oral-conditions/common-oral-conditions/post-extraction-haemorrhage/