Background: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions affecting dental health care professionals had an impact on pediatric dental emergency trends. The purpose of this study was to describe the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the characteristics, outcomes and management of pediatric dental emergencies in a single tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A retrospective review of children presenting to Montreal Children's Hospital for dental emergencies before and during the pandemic was conducted. Data collected included children's demographic characteristics, type of emergency visit, clinical signs and symptoms, as well as emergency management. For the pandemic period, data regarding patient symptoms of COVID-19 infection were also noted.
Results: Of the 2745 pediatric dental emergencies included, 1336 (48.7%) occurred in 2019 and 1409 (51.3%) in 2020. During the first wave of COVID-19, the number of pediatric dental emergencies increased by 21% over pre-pandemic levels. A significant increase in the number of emergencies associated with dental infection was noted during the pandemic period (p = 0.04). A significant increase in the number of visits not receiving effective immediate treatment (p < 0.01) occurred during the early pandemic period.
Conclusion: Our study shows a significant increase in the rates of dental emergencies and acuity of dental conditions during the first wave of the pandemic. Increased public health measures and adaptation to this ongoing public health crisis are important to ensure continued high-quality dental care for pediatric patients.