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VOL. 8, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Current status and future directions in the management of endodontic emergencies in children: A narrative review
Authors
Dr. Anjali Bhutra, Dr. Dinesh Rao, Dr. Sunil Panwar
Abstract
Endodontic emergencies in children are challenging clinical situations
because pain, swelling, infection, fear and limited cooperation may occur
simultaneously. Prompt relief of symptoms should not compromise the definitive
treatment plan. The present narrative review summarizes the current concepts in
the diagnosis and management of endodontic emergencies in children, with
emphasis on accurate diagnosis, definitive dental treatment and rational
pharmacological support. Endodontic emergencies may occur before, during or
after endodontic treatment and may present as pulpal pain, symptomatic apical
periodontitis, acute apical abscess, postoperative pain, traumatic injury or
procedural complications. A systematic diagnostic approach involving history,
clinical examination, pulp sensibility testing and appropriate radiographic
assessment is essential. Treatment should be directed at removal of the
underlying cause and preservation of the tooth whenever feasible. Conservative
pulp therapy, pulpotomy, pulpectomy/root canal treatment, drainage, retreatment
and extraction are selected according to the pulpal and periradicular
diagnosis, restorability and developmental status of the tooth. Analgesics,
particularly non-opioid agents, are adjuncts rather than substitutes for
definitive dental treatment, and antibiotics should be reserved for infections
with systemic involvement or spreading infection. Emerging approaches such as
enhanced anesthesia, operating microscopes, CBCT, acupuncture,
photobiomodulation, GABAergic modulation and in-silico drug discovery may
expand future options for pain control. Evidence specific to children remains
limited for several newer modalities; therefore, further high-quality pediatric
research is required.
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Pages:299-303
How to cite this article:
Dr. Anjali Bhutra, Dr. Dinesh Rao, Dr. Sunil Panwar "Current status and future directions in the management of endodontic emergencies in children: A narrative review". International Journal of Dental Sciences, Vol 8, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 299-303
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