Dental damage in anaesthesia

Dental trauma is a frequently reported complication related to the administration of general anaesthesia and is the most common source of litigation against anaesthetists. General anaesthesia involving direct laryngoscopy, a difficult airway, pre-existing poor dentition and prosthetic dental restoration are major risk factors for dental trauma. Central maxillary incisors are the most frequently damaged teeth. It is good practice to perform a preoperative oral examination, document the findings and communicate the risk of dental trauma to the patient. In the event of dental damage appropriate timely management will minimize dental morbidity.