Page 56 - 2022 Risk Basics - Anesthesiology

SVMIC Risk Basics: Anesthesiology

teeth, soft tissues, and associated anesthesia risk factors, are of

importance in the prevention of perioperative dental damage.

Healthy teeth are very strong and designed to withstand the
enormous pressures generated during mastication. The

insertion, manipulation, or removal of any airway or suction
device, however, may cause damage ranging from a chipped

tooth to a tooth loss.

A preoperative evaluation, consent, and consultation should be
performed with the patient. Inform the patient of potential
21
trauma to natural and/or prosthetic teeth during anesthesia

practice before providing anesthesia services. Obtain a dentist
consult whenever appropriate and possible prior to anesthesia

to address dental disease and potential risk for patients with

special dental issues (such as loose teeth due to periodontal
disease, prosthetic teeth, active dental caries, etc.).

Have the patient remove all removable appliances from the

mouth prior to anesthesia.

Document the preoperative dental assessment and any risk

factors discovered.

When a dental injury occurs:

 If teeth are damaged/broken during anesthesia, ensure

the fragments are kept. If a tooth becomes completely
dislodged, store it in saline to increase the chances of it

being replanted and consider a dental consult.

21 https://www.apsf.org/article/dental-emergencies-associated-with-anesthesia-practice/

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