Is the risk of dental damage high during intubation when general anaesthesia is performed?

Your questions answered by our surgeon, Lucian Ion, FRCS(Plast)

Asked on 14 July 2012

Question

Is the risk of dental damage high during intubation when general anaesthesia is performed? I want surgery but worried about damage to the teeth.

Answer

This question is best directed to an anaesthetist, but in general terms the risk of dental damage during a general anaesthetic is low.

For additional precautions to protect your teeth it is possible to use a dental guard at the time of the anaesthetic, but this is something you would need to prepare beforehand.

Mr Lucian Ion FRCS(Plast)
129 Harley Street
London
W1G 6BA