Question:
Why do you have to see the dentist?
What kinds of things are they looking for? Do you have to have all dental work done before surgery? Also, I've heard that if you throw up alot your teeth rot, is this true? Is this the reason for the dental evaluation? — angela D. (posted on May 4, 2002)
May 4, 2002
This is the first I've ever heard of a WLS surgeon requiring a dental
evaluation as part of pre-op requirements! I'd be very curious as to your
surgeon's reason for this.
— mmagruder
May 4, 2002
Just my 2 cents worth here...perhaps something to do with checking the
health of your teeth and gums, to see if you show any signs of loose teeth
or bone loss. I would think it would be unnecessary however if you have
generally good dental health. Unless you happened to mention dental
problems on your medical questionairre at your initial consult? My surgeon
said he doesn't want to perform WLS on someone with untreated depression. I
would think dental problems would be the same, since they are often an
indication of some type of deficiency. IMHO of course. Good luck - Anna
— Anna L.
May 4, 2002
Ditto to the last post, how odd. About your teeth rotting, yes, if you
vomit a lot, you can have teeth problems... toothaches, tooth decay,
swollen gums, and gum disease (gingivitis) caused by acid in the mouth from
vomiting (from WebMD). Good luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
May 4, 2002
My surgeon recommends that we see a dentist pre-op to check for infection.
— dgdover
May 4, 2002
My anesthesiologist checked my mouth to see if I had any loose teeth,
dentures, etc. I presume this can cause a problem with choking, etc., when
you are intubated.
— Kathleen C.
May 4, 2002
I put off having a tooth pulled until after my surgery, only because I
didn't want to take any chance on having an infection going on when I have
the surgery. I can't imagine having to have a dental clearance before the
surgery, though.
— garw
May 4, 2002
Per my surgeon's handout, good wls candidates have healthy teeth, optimal
for proper chewing of food post op. LOL
— NicoleG
May 4, 2002
The reason you have to see the dentist is because your Dr
requires it?? Or you insurance??
Pre-surgery requirements vary from Dr to Dr and from Insurance to
Insurance. But, frankly, I haven't heard before of anyone being required to
see a dentist.....
— Cathy J.
May 4, 2002
my doc inspect your mouth for any sighns of problems and refeers to dentist
if needed....he said it would very difficult to perform wls on someone and
then find out they have no upper teeth or poor teeth or in major need of
dental work and can not effectvly chew there foods wich would cause a
problem for them after surgery!!!! i think it is a logical consern from a
doc that is thinking of all asspects of the surgery!
— bekka K.
May 4, 2002
When you throw up post-op, you don't throw up bile. I think the problem
with tooth decay comes when you throw up a lot pre-op from conditions such
as anorexia. I believe the stomach acid and bile is what causes tooth
decay. I've never heard of anyone having a problem with the teeth from
post-op vomiting, since no bile is involved.
— Kathy J.
May 4, 2002
I would venture to guess that the reason is what several otehr people
mentioned- to be sure there's no infection. My surgeon hasn't required it,
but I know of other surgeries, for example, any transplants, where they
will do that, because it's an easily avoidable source of infection if only
it's checked for!
— cp
May 6, 2002
I put off having a root canal until after my surgery. WRONG!! I was in
pre-op last week, hooked up to my IV and already medicated for surgery when
my surgeon came in and said "No Go" because my white blood cell
count was very high (17). I had an infected tooth. He wouldn't take a risk
of the infection spreading. Needless to say, I have an appointment this
week for that darn root canal. My advise is see a dentist even if your
insurance doesn't require it. It just may keep you from having a delay of
your surgery due to a dental infection.
— Cheryl A.
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