I had gallbladder surgery last year and I have an upcoming one this year for my thyroid but I was wondering, why is it that they ask about dental stuff. Why is it important for surgery? What happens to people who have emergency situations and have like bad teeth or something? Just curious.
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Hey! Someone in the same boat. There are several reasons. I’m getting ready to have heart surgery and the most *likely* place for bacteria to enter your blood stream is through open wounds, and there are no easier places (because of the moisture and heat) for bacteria to enter into your bloodstream than your mouth.
Back-up: Dentures, crowns, bridges, etc., can all impact intubation as well. Some older implants/dentures/crowns may also be made of *just* enough magnetic material to be problematic in MRIs, as well.
Fun fact: I had to shell out $6000 for dental surgery before having the pleasure of shelling out $7500 (out of pocket max) for heart surgery. The magic bones in your face not covered by your medical insurance have to be fixed before a surgeon will work on the parts of you that ARE covered by medical insurance.
Side note: Dental care is not expensive. Dental neglect is.
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