I have several veneers and crowns. I asked my surgeon about the chance of damage to the dental veneers and crowns during the intubation process. Some sort of metal tool is used to open the mouth to insert the tube. My surgeon did state that there is a risk of damage to dental crowns and veneers during this procedure. I've asked the surgeon to note that for the anesthetist. I am wondering whether anyone has experienced damage to dental veneers & crowns (or even a chip to a natural tooth) during the intubation procedure.

Here are some links: Anaesthesia and dental trauma and Tooth injuries during general anesthesia, oral endoscopy and - NCBI.

The risk of damage to veneers and crowns does not affect my decision to have surgery - I am determined to have it. But is there any way to reduce the risk of damage to teeth and dental crowns & veneers?

This is probably an esoteric topic, but I am concerned.

Although I haven't had VSG surgery yet, I have had several surgeries in the last 17 years. The last surgery was in May 2010 for what they thought was a tumor on my last ovary, but it turned out to be a chocolate cyst. Anyway long story short, I had a weak (Bad) tooth in the back right side. When I woke up from surgery my tongue felt sore like I had bitten it. Well it turned out that during the Intubation they had chipped my tooth and the sharp edge had cut my tongue unknowingly in my sleep.

Chipped & cracked teeth, chipped or lost fillings do happen. Despite the outcome I had, I can say that doctors do try to complete the intubation without damage. Out of the 6+ time I have been put under for surgery, I have only had once incident of a cracked tooth.

As far as veneers and crowns I would think that as long as you make sure they know that they would take extra care. On my past surgery forms I had to list whether or not I had dentures, crowns, bridges, veneers etc.

Sorry thought they had already been chipped. Make sure you tell the Anesthesia provider about your expensive dental work. They always take care to avoid the teeth but things happen. Telling them will make them take extra care to avoid them!

I would think there would be something that could be adhered to you teeth that could guard them, a sports like guard. It seems like I have seem them...

Hmmm

I have a bridge on the top front 4 teeth and have been through surgery twice (Lapband in Aug 10 and then revision May 29th) and each time I told the anesthesiologist about it and nothing happened to them during surgery.