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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