Dental traumatology : official publication of International Association for Dental Traumatology
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Comparative Study
Evaluation of dental injury following endotracheal intubation using the Periotest technique.
The hazards of damage to teeth and their periodontal attachment during tracheal intubation are well known. Dental trauma represents the commonest single reason for complaints against anesthesiologists. In order to predict the possible risk of perianesthetic iatrogenic tooth luxation we evaluated the use of a measuring method (Periotest technique), being well established for the diagnosis of periodontal disease. ⋯ Furthermore, the level of work experience of the intubating anesthetist was compared with the degree of postoperative tooth mobility. Changes of periodontal attachment could not be detected by the Periotest technique. The Periotest technique does not seem to have the ability to detect early periodontal changes associated with endotracheal intubation.