Relationship Between Socioeconomic Factors and Utilization of Emergency Endodontic Services: A Cross-Sectional Hospital Study

Emergency endodontic conditions commonly present with acute dental pain, swelling, difficulty in mastication, and reduced quality of life. Access to timely endodontic care is influenced not only by clinical need but also by socioeconomic factors such as income, education, occupation, residence, affordability, awareness, and transportation. Patients from disadvantaged socioeconomic groups may delay treatment until symptoms become severe, increasing the need for urgent care. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between socioeconomic status and access to emergency endodontic care among patients reporting to a tertiary care hospital. This hospital-based observational study included 55 patients who reported with acute dental pain or symptoms requiring emergency endodontic intervention. Patients with acute pulpitis, symptomatic apical periodontitis, acute apical abscess, or other endodontic emergencies were included. Data were collected using a structured proforma including demographic details, socioeconomic variables, clinical diagnosis, pain severity, treatment-related factors, and barriers to accessing care. Socioeconomic status was assessed using education, occupation, income, residence, distance from hospital, affordability, and transport-related factors. Clinical assessment included presenting symptoms, tooth involved, pulpal or periapical diagnosis, swelling, and emergency treatment provided. Among 55 patients, the highest proportion belonged to the 31–45 years age group, 21 patients (38.18%), and males were slightly more common, 31 patients (56.36%). Rural patients constituted 32 cases (58.18%). Lower socioeconomic status was seen in 24 patients (43.64%). Severe pain was the most common complaint, reported by 36 patients (65.45%), and symptomatic irreversible pulpitis was the most common diagnosis, seen in 26 patients (47.27%). Delayed reporting was observed in 35 patients (63.64%). Financial constraint was the leading reason for delay, reported by 18 patients (32.73%). Lower socioeconomic status was significantly associated with delayed reporting (p=0.006), financial constraint (p=0.018), lack of awareness (p=0.041), transportation difficulty (p=0.047), lower previous dental visit history (p=0.012), and severe pain at presentation (p=0.039). Socioeconomic status significantly influenced access to emergency endodontic care. Patients from lower socioeconomic groups had greater delay, financial burden, poor awareness, transportation difficulty, and more severe pain at presentation. Affordable services and improved awareness are essential to improve timely access.