Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) = inherited hemoglobinopathy causing red cell sickling under stress. The CRITICAL dental risk is triggering a vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) from hypoxemia, dehydration, acidosis, stress, infection, or hypothermia. Sickle cell TRAIT is usually far lower risk — manage like routine patient unless other comorbidities. Key dental principles: (1) dental infection can TRIGGER VOC → treat promptly, (2) prevent crisis triggers chairside (warmth, hydration, O₂, stress reduction, adequate pain control), (3) LA preferred over GA, (4) SCD ≠ automatic antibiotic prophylaxis.