Dental Case Presentation

Mrs. SL is 41 years old and presented as an emergency patient at the St. David’s Primary Dental Care Unit. She complained of severe pain UL2 that had kept her up the previous night. She was fit and well although reporting a previous medical history of epileptic seizures 5 years ago. Her pain was relieved by draining the abscess through the root canal and prescribing antimicrobials. Subsequently the patient reported dissatisfaction of the appearance of edentulous spaces in the maxillary left and right premolar region. A full history and examination was carried out and an appropriate definitive treatment plan was made which included the construction of two bridges to address the patient’s aesthetic concerns.

Learning outcomes:

History & Examination
Reason for attendance: Pain that had disturbed sleep
Complains of: Severe pain. UL2 is tender to touch. Edentulous spaces in all quadrants
History of present complaint:
Patient reports that a filling was replaced in the UL2 one year ago. The tooth has felt ‘numb’ since but dental treatment was not sought. Throbbing pain started two days ago that had kept patient awake at night and UL2 is very tender to touch. Mild pyrexia reported by patient
There was also aesthetic concern of two edentulous spaces in the maxillary right and left quadrants where premolars have been previously been extracted due to periradicular pain. Mandibular edentulous spaces were also noted
Medical history: Fit and well. Last epileptic seizure 5 years ago with an unknown cause of seizures. Taking no medication
Oral health history: Has been treated in the Primary Dental Care Unit over the past year and will look for a General Dental Practitioner once treatment has been completed. Brushes twice daily, no use of mouthwash. Occasionally flosses. Premolars in all quadrants were extracted for orthodontic treatment in her early teens. Has never worn a denture
Social History: University