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Prevention and Post-extubation Screening of Perioperative Traumatic Dental Injury in Pediatric Anesthesia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Adenotonsillectomy is a routine pediatric procedure often requiring general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. While generally safe, traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) represent a significant and often under-recognized complication, particularly in children with mobile primary teeth and anatomical risk factors. Although preoperative dental evaluations are commonly performed, current anesthetic protocols rarely include post-extubation dental screening. We present the case of a five-year-old male who underwent an uncomplicated adenotonsillectomy and was later found to have an avulsed and ingested lower central incisor, identified postoperatively by a caregiver. This case underscores the need for targeted oral examinations immediately after extubation, with attention to the anterior teeth and signs of fresh gingival trauma. We highlight the importance of both pre- and post-intubation dental assessments in pediatric patients and advocate for the adoption of structured protocols that improve early recognition of dental injuries, reduce medico-legal risk, and enhance patient safety.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.95628

Authors: Iqra Ahmad, Christof N Gault, Zeyad Kamar, Sharif Mohamed

Institutions: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, The University of Texas at Austin, Ankara Medipol Üniversitesi

Language: English

Topic: Airway Management and Intubation Techniques

Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4415642941