Acta Scientific Dental Sciences

Review Article Volume 9 Issue 2

Clinical and Epidemiological Insights into Syncope in Dental Offices in Saudi Arabia

Abdulaziz Alharbi*

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding Author: Abdulaziz Alharbi, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.

Received: December 26, 2024; Published: January 17, 2025

Abstract

Dental practitioners frequently encounter medical emergencies, some of which pose significant threats to patient safety and well-being such as syncope, a sudden temporary loss of consciousness due to decreased blood flow to the brain. This review explores the literature regarding the incidence, causes, and awareness of syncope attacks in dental practices in Saudi Arabia. Syncope, primarily caused by cerebral hypoperfusion, lasts for an average of 12 seconds and has a lifetime prevalence of 42%, with an annual incidence of 6%. Syncope frequency varies with age, from 15% in individuals under 18 to 39% in medical students, and 23% in the elderly. The annual incidence in the general population ranges from 18.1 to 39.7 per 1000 patients with the highest prevalence in individuals aged 10-30 years mainly due to vasovagal attacks. Syncope accounts for 3-5% of emergency department visits, with a 40% hospitalisation rate and an average stay of 5.5 days. The recurrence rate is about 35%, with significant physical injury occurring in 29% of cases. The aetiology of syncope includes vasovagal, cardiac, orthostatic hypotension, neurological, endocrine, and psychiatric causes, therefore recognising and understanding these causes is essential for effective management and prevention, especially in dental settings where severe dental pain or anxiety can trigger syncopic episodes. Studies in Saudi Arabia reveal significant regional variations in syncope incidence, emphasising the need for preparedness and continuous education among dental practitioners.

Keywords: Syncope; Dental Office; Medical Emergency; Saudi

References

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Citation

Citation: Abdulaziz Alharbi. “Clinical and Epidemiological Insights into Syncope in Dental Offices in Saudi Arabia". Acta Scientific Dental Sciences 9.2 (2025): 21-26.

Copyright

Copyright: © 2025 Abdulaziz Alharbi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.




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