Accidental Dental Avulsion Caused by Direct Laringoscopy

Background: Damage to the teeth is one of the most common complications of tracheal intubation. The aim of this study is to provide the knowledge on how anesthesiologists should act when faced with dental avulsion. Methods: A multiple choice survey made up of eleven questions was delivered at a Portuguese Anesthesiologist meeting. Statistical analysis was performed using the spss17.0 software and all the answers were expressed in descriptive frequency distributions and percentages. Results: The sample consisted of 65 anesthesiologists, 37 specialists (56.9%) and 28 internees (43.1%). In response to, what to do if a tooth came out of its socket, only 13.8% would put it back. The majority (86.2%) preferred taking it out despising the possible conditions of the tooth and bone. From the latter group, 90.1% chose to preserve the tooth and send the patient to a dentist. When reimplantation was considered, a small percentage (10.8%) chose to do it immediately. Also 32.3% decided to reimplant the tooth in the recovery room and the other 32.3% admitted not knowing when. As to the splinting of the anterior teeth, just 26.2 % of the respondents would consider using it. The others wouldn't, either because it would be their decision (33.8%) or because they wouldn't know how to do it (40.0%). In order to determine the evaluation of periodontal conditions, most anesthesiologists confirmed not to use any guidelines (69.2%) and 84.6% of the respondents denied having been taught anything in this particular area. Conclusion: The majority (86.2%) confirmed not having been given such information. To help prevent and treat dental avulsion, having knowledge in this area is essential.