Evaluation of dental status using a questionnaire before administration of general anesthesia for the prevention of dental injuries

Abstract

Background Dental evaluation and protection are important for preventing traumatic dental injuries when patients are under general anesthesia. The objective of the present study was to develop a questionnaire based on dentition-related risk factors that could serve as a valuable tool for dental evaluation and documentation. Methods We developed a questionnaire for dental evaluation before administration of general anesthesia, investigated the association between patient-and-dentist responses and mouthguard fabrication, and assessed response agreement between 100 patients. Results Protective mouthguards were fabricated for 27 patients who were identified as having a high risk of dental injury. There was a strong association between dentists’ responses and mouthguard fabrication, depending on the general oral health status, use of ceramic prosthesis, presence of masticatory pain related to periodontal diseases, gingival edema, and implants (P < 0.05). Response agreement between patients and dentists for items related to dental pain, loss of dental pulp vitality, root canal therapy, dental trauma, aesthetic prosthesis, tooth mobility, and implant prosthesis was high (Cohen’s kappa coefficient κ ≥ 0.6). Conclusions A high agreement was observed between patient-dentist responses and a strong association with mouthguard fabrication for items pertaining to ceramic prosthesis, masticatory pain, and dental implants. Patients with a “yes” response to these items are recommended to undergo a dental evaluation and use a dental protective device while under general anesthesia.

Patient perception of service quality to preanesthetic oral examination: a cross-sectional study using the SERVQUAL model

“…At some institutions, anesthesiologists evaluate the risks of dental trauma based on the dental history or a self-report questionnaire related to the patient’s dental status. Patients at high risk are transferred to dentists for a mouthguard [ 23 – 25 ]. Some Japanese institutions have included oral function management in an interdisciplinary system for perioperative management [ 26 ].…”

Teeth Damage during General Anesthesia

“…Protective devices, such as mouthguards, are recommended to prevent dental injuries caused by poor dentition [ 13 ]. Although the use of mouthguards has been documented to reduce the force inflicted upon the anterior dentition during laryngoscopy, the effectiveness of a mouthguard as a preventive tool against dental injuries remains controversial, and even when indicated it is rarely used [ 11 , 13 ].…”

Prevalence of Dental trauma in Permanent anterior teeth among school children in Villupuram District

“…Trauma is a significant factor in dental injuries and poses a serious public health issue. Yet, the prevalence is relatively significant and has a negative impact on children's quality of life (1) Traumatic tooth injuries range in severity from minor fractures of the enamel to whole tooth displacement (avulsion) brought on by a forceful blow to the tooth's supporting components (1,2). Children who experience the traumatic loss of their anterior teeth may have severe psychological distress in addition to functional and cosmetic problems (3).…”