Question:
Can dental issues disqualify you from surgury?

During a psych eval today, the psychologist mentioned that some surgeons will not perform surgury on someone who must use false teeth or partials, because of the issue with chewing. I have partials. Has anyone come across this?    — jeanne3jp (posted on June 9, 2005)

June 9, 2005
Well, I think that that the doctor you went to for your psych eval is a little misinformed. I cannot believe that every single person that has had WLS has a full set of teeth. Where do some of the misinformed come up with this information anyways? Since when can a person with dentures or a partial not chew their food real well? Man, I am just shaking my head in disbelief!
   — ChristineB

June 9, 2005
That is the craziest thing I have ever heard. That I would think would be considered discrimation.
   — Patricia C.

June 11, 2005
I think your psychologist has a few screws loose :>) My doctor didn't even ask about my teeth nor did he look at at them nor was that question on any paperwork that I filled out. It is important to let your surgical staff know or anyone who is going to put a tube down your throat or put something in your mouth to keep it open that you have dentures or partials - they need to be removed before surgery or a procedure but that is for your safety - has nothing to do with the possibility of canceling or delaying your surgery - but just in case I am wrong - make sure you talk to your surgeon about it - be open with him/her at all times. Kelly
   — Kelly MzKelz Valdez