Tell the anesthesia team before surgery if you have any loose teeth, dentures, or other dental work. You should also mention crowns, bridges, veneers, implants, braces, elastic bands, and any tongue or lip piercings. If you have had a general anesthetic before and were told the tube was hard to place, or your teeth were damaged, say that too. This helps the team plan the safest way to manage your airway, which is the path air takes into your lungs.

If you have loose teeth or sore, bleeding gums, it is a good idea to see a dentist as soon as you know you need surgery. The team may also want to know about any significant dental work or past dental damage. Dentures are usually kept on until you are in the anesthetic room, then removed if you are having a general anesthetic. Verify the exact plan with your surgical or anesthesia team in case they want something different for you.