Medical Emergencies · patient case with 1 question
Fractured tooth after a fall, with headache
Patient: 34-year-old woman, walk-in.
Chief complaint: Chipped a front tooth in a fall and has a mild headache.
History: Tripped on a kerb about two hours ago and struck her face. She describes a persistent dull headache that started after the fall. No regular medications.
Findings: Uncomplicated crown fracture of tooth 8. Alert and oriented but reports the headache is not improving.
Question 1
What should the dentist do FIRST?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Refer her to the emergency department for medical evaluation
- A. An analgesic can mask a deteriorating neurological picture, and NSAIDs are relatively contraindicated where intracranial bleeding is possible.
- B. Imaging the jaws does not address the neurological concern and simply delays appropriate referral.
- C. CORRECT. Headache following head trauma is a red flag for concussion or an evolving intracranial bleed, which can present after a lucid interval. Medical evaluation takes priority; the dental injury is stabilized only as far as necessary and definitive care is deferred.
- D. Elective restorative care before the neurological picture is cleared is the wrong sequence.