5
min read

991 - Management of medical emergency

ADA schedule description:

The management of a medical emergency occurring during or after dental treatment, excluding anaphylaxis.

Category:

Miscellaneous

Sub-category:

Emergencies
Last updated on
February 18, 2025

When is item code 991 (Management of medical emergency) typically used?

Management of a medical emergency is necessary to address unexpected health issues during or after dental treatment. This procedure involves identifying and responding to emergencies such as cardiac arrest, hypoglycemia, seizures, or anaphylaxis. Proper management ensures the patient’s safety and prevents further complications. Medical emergency protocols are particularly useful for addressing life-threatening situations that require immediate intervention. The goal is to stabilize the patient, prevent systemic complications, and ensure a safe environment for continued care.

How does item code 991 (Management of medical emergency) typically benefit the patient?

Stabilizing the patient, preventing further complications, and ensuring safety improves patient outcomes, enabling them to recover from potentially life-threatening events. By addressing emergencies promptly, the procedure prevents complications such as respiratory failure, cardiovascular collapse, or systemic infections. Additionally, it enhances the patient’s overall experience by providing reassurance and guidance during recovery.

What is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon's perspective on item code 991 (Management of medical emergency)?

Have protocols in place for identifying and managing various medical emergencies, including training staff on advanced life support techniques and maintaining emergency equipment. Verify the availability of medications such as epinephrine, oxygen, and glucose for rapid intervention. Educate the patient on recognizing early signs of medical issues and seeking prompt care. Regularly review and update emergency protocols to ensure preparedness.

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The miscellaneous category covers unique or specialized treatments that don’t fall under other specific categories. Examples include custom mouthguards, occlusal guards for bruxism (teeth grinding), sleep apnea appliances, and other patient-specific devices designed to improve comfort, function, or aesthetics.
General dental services encompass routine care and minor procedures essential for maintaining overall oral health. This includes fillings, extractions, emergency treatments, and basic restorations. These services address common issues like cavities, broken teeth, and gum irritation, ensuring patients maintain functional and healthy smiles.
Orthodontic treatments are focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws to improve both function and appearance. Procedures typically involve braces, clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign), retainers, and other appliances that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. Orthodontics not only enhances aesthetics but also improves bite functionality and reduces the risk of future dental problems.
Prosthodontic treatments involve replacing missing teeth and restoring damaged oral structures using artificial substitutes. Procedures include crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants. The goal is to restore functionality, improve speech and chewing ability, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the smile.
Restorative services focus on repairing damaged or decayed teeth to restore their form, function, and strength. Common treatments include fillings, inlays/onlays, veneers, and bonding. These procedures aim to prolong the life of natural teeth and ensure they remain functional and visually appealing.
Endodontic treatments focus on the inner part of the tooth, particularly the pulp and root canals. Common procedures include root canal therapy, which removes infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth, and apicoectomy (surgical removal of the root tip). The goal is to preserve natural teeth while alleviating pain caused by infection or inflammation.
Oral surgery involves surgical procedures performed in or around the mouth and jaw. Treatments range from simple tooth extractions to more complex surgeries such as wisdom tooth removal, dental implant placement, bone grafting, and corrective jaw surgery. These procedures aim to restore function, alleviate pain, and enhance facial structure.
Periodontics deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth. Services include scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), gum grafts, pocket reduction surgery, and regenerative therapies. The primary objective is to prevent tooth loss and maintain healthy gums.
This category emphasizes preventive care to maintain optimal oral health and prevent future problems. It includes professional cleanings (prophylaxis), fluoride treatments, sealants, and patient education on proper hygiene practices. Additionally, bleaching services (teeth whitening) are offered to enhance the cosmetic appearance of teeth safely and effectively.
Diagnostic services involve procedures aimed at identifying and assessing oral health conditions. These include clinical examinations, X-rays, digital imaging, biopsies, and other diagnostic tools that help in detecting diseases or abnormalities early on, allowing for timely intervention.
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5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
I had an incredible experience with Nu and the team for lower jaw surgery and wisdom teeth removal. The whole process was smooth and Nu has such a kind and calming presence - she is so relaxed and it's hard to believe she's come straight from surgery most days.
OMFS logo
AU
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
+61393473788
I had an incredible experience with Nu and the team for lower jaw surgery and wisdom teeth removal. The whole process was smooth and Nu has such a kind and calming presence - she is so relaxed and it's hard to believe she's come straight from surgery most days.
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
Dr Nu was amazing! Wisdom tooth out like it was nothing and recovery took a day.
OMFS logo
AU
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
+61393473788
Dr Nu was amazing! Wisdom tooth out like it was nothing and recovery took a day.
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
My experience, from start to finish, was as pleasant as a wisdom tooth extraction could be! I had all four wisdom teeth removed under general anesthetic, and Dr. Mehrnoosh Dastaran was absolutely delightful. She made me feel completely at ease throughout the process, despite my nerves leading up to the procedure. Her professionalism and reassuring demeanor truly made a world of difference. Additionally, Waverley Private Hospital was an excellent facility, making the entire experience even more seamless and comfortable.
OMFS logo
AU
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
+61393473788
My experience, from start to finish, was as pleasant as a wisdom tooth extraction could be! I had all four wisdom teeth removed under general anesthetic, and Dr. Mehrnoosh Dastaran was absolutely delightful. She made me feel completely at ease throughout the process, despite my nerves leading up to the procedure. Her professionalism and reassuring demeanor truly made a world of difference. Additionally, Waverley Private Hospital was an excellent facility, making the entire experience even more seamless and comfortable.
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
I had all four wisdom teeth out in the chair in January with Dr Nu... The procedure itself was unbelievably quick and both Dr Nu and her assistant were so lovely to me, it was far less scary than I anticipated!
OMFS logo
AU
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
+61393473788
I had all four wisdom teeth out in the chair in January with Dr Nu... The procedure itself was unbelievably quick and both Dr Nu and her assistant were so lovely to me, it was far less scary than I anticipated!
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
Dr Nu was absolutely amazing. Last time I used CPAP in 20 years was the night before my surgery. She is an amazing surgeon, cured me of sleep apnea, and I feel amazing. Best thing I ever did.
OMFS logo
AU
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
+61393473788
Dr Nu was absolutely amazing. Last time I used CPAP in 20 years was the night before my surgery. She is an amazing surgeon, cured me of sleep apnea, and I feel amazing. Best thing I ever did.
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
I needed a few teeth out for my orthodontic treatment. Dr Nu Dastaran and her nurses Emma and Poppy did an amazing job. Completely painless. I opted to do it over 2 sessions. The offices are state-of-the-art and everyone at OMFS is friendly and welcoming. This is my 3rd time at OMFS and I have no idea what the 1 Star reviewers are talking about.
OMFS logo
AU
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
+61393473788
I needed a few teeth out for my orthodontic treatment. Dr Nu Dastaran and her nurses Emma and Poppy did an amazing job. Completely painless. I opted to do it over 2 sessions. The offices are state-of-the-art and everyone at OMFS is friendly and welcoming. This is my 3rd time at OMFS and I have no idea what the 1 Star reviewers are talking about.
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
I had an amazing experience with Dr.Nu who did my wisdom teeth surgery... I was pretty scared for this procedure but Dr.Nu is so nurturing that I felt comfortable and it was all over before I knew it, she is a great surgeon who takes extra care during the procedure, thanks Dr. Nu!
OMFS logo
AU
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
+61393473788
I had an amazing experience with Dr.Nu who did my wisdom teeth surgery... I was pretty scared for this procedure but Dr.Nu is so nurturing that I felt comfortable and it was all over before I knew it, she is a great surgeon who takes extra care during the procedure, thanks Dr. Nu!
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
I had an incredible experience with Nu and the team for lower jaw surgery and wisdom teeth removal. The whole process was smooth and Nu has such a kind and calming presence - she is so relaxed and it's hard to believe she's come straight from surgery most days.
+61393473788
Requires a consultation
OMFS logo
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
I had an incredible experience with Nu and the team for lower jaw surgery and wisdom teeth removal. The whole process was smooth and Nu has such a kind and calming presence - she is so relaxed and it's hard to believe she's come straight from surgery most days.
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
I had all four wisdom teeth out in the chair in January with Dr Nu... The procedure itself was unbelievably quick and both Dr Nu and her assistant were so lovely to me, it was far less scary than I anticipated!
+61393473788
Requires a consultation
OMFS logo
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
I had all four wisdom teeth out in the chair in January with Dr Nu... The procedure itself was unbelievably quick and both Dr Nu and her assistant were so lovely to me, it was far less scary than I anticipated!
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
My experience, from start to finish, was as pleasant as a wisdom tooth extraction could be! I had all four wisdom teeth removed under general anesthetic, and Dr. Mehrnoosh Dastaran was absolutely delightful. She made me feel completely at ease throughout the process, despite my nerves leading up to the procedure. Her professionalism and reassuring demeanor truly made a world of difference. Additionally, Waverley Private Hospital was an excellent facility, making the entire experience even more seamless and comfortable.
+61393473788
Requires a consultation
OMFS logo
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
My experience, from start to finish, was as pleasant as a wisdom tooth extraction could be! I had all four wisdom teeth removed under general anesthetic, and Dr. Mehrnoosh Dastaran was absolutely delightful. She made me feel completely at ease throughout the process, despite my nerves leading up to the procedure. Her professionalism and reassuring demeanor truly made a world of difference. Additionally, Waverley Private Hospital was an excellent facility, making the entire experience even more seamless and comfortable.
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
Dr Nu was absolutely amazing. Last time I used CPAP in 20 years was the night before my surgery. She is an amazing surgeon, cured me of sleep apnea, and I feel amazing. Best thing I ever did.
+61393473788
Requires a consultation
OMFS logo
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
Dr Nu was absolutely amazing. Last time I used CPAP in 20 years was the night before my surgery. She is an amazing surgeon, cured me of sleep apnea, and I feel amazing. Best thing I ever did.
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
I needed a few teeth out for my orthodontic treatment. Dr Nu Dastaran and her nurses Emma and Poppy did an amazing job. Completely painless. I opted to do it over 2 sessions. The offices are state-of-the-art and everyone at OMFS is friendly and welcoming. This is my 3rd time at OMFS and I have no idea what the 1 Star reviewers are talking about.
+61393473788
Requires a consultation
OMFS logo
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
I needed a few teeth out for my orthodontic treatment. Dr Nu Dastaran and her nurses Emma and Poppy did an amazing job. Completely painless. I opted to do it over 2 sessions. The offices are state-of-the-art and everyone at OMFS is friendly and welcoming. This is my 3rd time at OMFS and I have no idea what the 1 Star reviewers are talking about.
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
I had an amazing experience with Dr.Nu who did my wisdom teeth surgery... I was pretty scared for this procedure but Dr.Nu is so nurturing that I felt comfortable and it was all over before I knew it, she is a great surgeon who takes extra care during the procedure, thanks Dr. Nu!
+61393473788
Requires a consultation
OMFS logo
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
I had an amazing experience with Dr.Nu who did my wisdom teeth surgery... I was pretty scared for this procedure but Dr.Nu is so nurturing that I felt comfortable and it was all over before I knew it, she is a great surgeon who takes extra care during the procedure, thanks Dr. Nu!
5
Dr Mehrnoosh (Nu) Dastaran
Dr Nu was amazing! Wisdom tooth out like it was nothing and recovery took a day.
+61393473788
Requires a consultation
OMFS logo
3000
Melbourne
Level 15/501 Swanston Street
Dr Nu was amazing! Wisdom tooth out like it was nothing and recovery took a day.