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COMMENTARY |
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Year : 2016 | Volume
: 9
| Issue : 2 | Page : 229-230 |
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Preanesthetic dental evaluation for dentofacial injuries to be managed under general anesthesia
Yadavalli Guruprasad
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, AME'S Dental College Hospital and Research Centre, Raichur, Karnataka, India
Date of Web Publication | 1-Mar-2016 |
Correspondence Address: Yadavalli Guruprasad Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, AME'S Dental College Hospital and Research Centre, Raichur - 584 103, Karnataka India
Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0975-2870.177671
How to cite this article: Guruprasad Y. Preanesthetic dental evaluation for dentofacial injuries to be managed under general anesthesia. Med J DY Patil Univ 2016;9:229-30 |
The publishing of the article "Management of avulsed permanent maxillary central incisors during endotracheal intubation" brings into the focus of several factors like proper diagnosis and evaluation of dental injuries prior to intubation should be a mandatory protocol.
Anesthetists' routinely operate in the oral cavity of patients but are not exposed to the comprehensive education of teeth, the surrounding structures, and intraoral prosthesis. One of the most common adverse effects related to anesthesia is dental damage during intubation. To minimize these dental injuries, a preoperative assessment of patient's dentition and intraoral tissues should be made a protocol. [1] Anesthetists must follow a proper preoperative evaluation of a patient's oral cavity. To help identify the dentition at risk, the evaluation should include a review of the patient's dental history; a specific discussion with the patient about any existing dentures or crowns; and an oral/dental examination, particularly of the patient's maxillary incisors, which are most likely to be injured during the perioperative period including an inspection of the teeth for any pre-existing damage. [2],[3] Any existing conditions such as fragments or missing teeth must be noted. In addition to preanesthetic evaluation, anesthetists must also take precautions and have knowledge of the measures required to be taken in case of accidental damage. [4] All procedures and choice of the anesthetic equipment with their risks and benefits must be adequately explained to the patient.
It is important to consult the patient's general dentist in the preoperative management since routine dental procedures are performed more frequently than surgery. If the dentist learns from the patient that he or she will be undergoing surgery, the dentist should stress the importance of stabilizing or removing any loose teeth or prostheses prior to surgery.
References | | |
1. | Yasny JS. Perioperative dental considerations for the anesthesiologist. Anesth Analg 2009;108:1564-73. |
2. | Buffington CW, Vallejo MC. A simple preanesthesia dental examination. Anesthesiology 2006;104:212-3. |
3. | Owen H, Waddell-Smith I. Dental trauma associated with anaesthesia. Anaesth Intensive Care 2000;28:133-45. |
4. | Chidyllo SA, Zukaitis JA. Dental examinations prior to elective surgery under anesthesia. N Y State Dent J 1990;56:69-70. |
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