Dental Emergency with Airway Compromise — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyMedical Emergencies in DentistryDental Emergency with Airway CompromiseNDEB AFK

Which of the following conditions is a dental emergency that requires immediate treatment even if the patient has poorly controlled systemic disease?

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Correct answer: A — Acute dentoalveolar abscess with airway compromise

An acute dentoalveolar abscess with airway compromise (Ludwig angina, parapharyngeal space infection, expanding sublingual swelling) is a life-threatening dental emergency that requires immediate intervention regardless of the patient's systemic disease status. Airway protection takes absolute priority. Emergency management includes securing the airway (if compromised), IV antibiotics, surgical drainage, and hospital admission. Even in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, or immunosuppression, emergency treatment must not be delayed — the risk of airway obstruction outweighs all other considerations.

Reference: Hupp – Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 7th ed., 2019