Can a bad tooth stop an anaesthetic ? (Adult, not child!h

[wobblyteeth]

I’m due an op on Tuesday, it’s urgent , been waiting a while and things have suddenly got much worse .

I’ve got a tooth (lower back right molar) that’s gone rotten, it’s in a bit of a mess although it’s not sore . It’s been crumbling for about a year and a big chip’s just come off the side tonight .

It’s not at all painful, it’s not infected and it’s not wobbly .

I’m worried that if I go in on Tuesday they’ll say I can’t have the anaesthetic because of the tooth . Dithered over trying to see an emergency dentist tomorrow but I’m not sure what difference that would make really , unfortunately , because surely then I’d have an open wound on Tuesday?

What’s best to do ?

I think they might be reluctant to intubate you with a wobbly tooth.
Could you call the department and ask which is better? X

You’d be amazed at the grotty teeth we have to negotiate doing GA’s. There is a risk that a damaged tooth may be further damaged/come out during manipulation of an airway but it’s more common with front teeth than molars. Whether or not to proceed is really down to the degree or risk of further damage that you’re prepared to accept and the degree of urgency if the procedure. If the surgery is something amenable to spinal anaesthetic/regional anaesthetic it may be reasonable to avoid GA (and therefore airway manipulation). If there’s something the dentist can do before your date for surgery that would be safe & stable by that date that would also seem reasonable. Hope that helps.

Of course they will do the aneasthetic. What do you think happens if you go in with a broken tooth?

There's a risk the tooth will get more broken during the procedure. But if it's at a stage where it needs to come out that doesn't really matter.

Don't worry about it OP!

Well I've been an anaesthetist for over 25 years and I can't recall ever cancelling a procedure for something like you describe OP, and I have seen some teeth that would truly turn your stomach. If it was infected,you were unwell with it, your face was swollen or your mouth opening restricted then yes, that would be an issue, but it doesn't sound like that is the case here. Sometimes patients with really, really poor oral hygiene might be advised to get their teeth sorted before certain types of planned surgery but your one bad molar is almost certainly nowhere near that category.
You will be asked about your teeth before you go to theatre - it's a standard pre-op question - so do tell the anaesthetist. S/he can then take appropriate steps to minimise the risk of further damage to your tooth, and to protect your airway, though as has already been mentioned, molars aren't normally as big a concern as front teeth.
I hope everything goes well with your surgery and that you feel better soon.