Avulsed teeth. Management during anesthesia induction, surgery.

Abstract

It is not known how often teeth are inadvertently knocked out in the operating room during intubation or surgery. When it occurs, it can be very disturbing to the operating room personnel and the patient when he or she recovers from the surgery. Research has shown that most avulsed teeth can be saved by replanting them within 15 to 30 minutes, aligning and splinting them into proper position, and instituting appropriate follow-up care. Because a dentist cannot easily be found in this time period, a system designed specifically to preserve the teeth can be used to provide optimum care in these situations. By using such a system, the physician can proceed with the surgery knowing that all the appropriate measures have been taken to save the knocked-out tooth.