Page 10 - Part 2 Anesthesiology Common Risk Issues
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SVMIC Anesthesiology: Common Risk Issues
A Pre-operative Evaluation, Consent, and Consultation should
be performed with the patient. Inform the patient of potential
2
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, ect.).
Have the patient remove all removable appliances from the
mouth prior to anesthesia.
Document the pre-operative 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
disloged, store it in saline to increase the chances of it
being replanted and consider a dental consult.
• Be empathetic to the patient’s concerns — hear them out
• Avoid an assumption of responsibility
• If it’s clear at the time, explain how the dental injury
occured. If it is not clear, do not speculate but assure the
patient you’ll investigate the cause and report back.
• Inform the patient that dental injury is a known risk
and complication that can occur with the most expert
practitioner.
2 https://www.apsf.org/article/dental-emergencies-associated-with-anesthesia-practice/
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