Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- It can. An active tooth or gum infection is usually treated before a planned hernia repair that will use mesh.
- Germs from an untreated dental infection can travel in the blood, and mesh gives them a surface to settle on.
- Before a general anaesthetic the team asks about loose teeth, caps, crowns and dentures, because a breathing tube passes close to them.
Most hernia repairs place a mesh to reinforce the wall. The team takes care that no infection is brewing anywhere in the body when that is done.
Teeth and gums are one of the places that is easy to overlook. This page explains what is asked about them, and what happens if something is found.
Why a dental infection is treated first
An abscess or a badly infected gum holds germs that can enter the blood stream. A fresh mesh is a surface on which germs can settle and stay.
So for a planned repair, active dental infection is settled first. This is a short delay on a date you choose, not a refusal of the operation.
What the anaesthetist is checking
For a general anaesthetic a tube is usually passed into the windpipe. The mouth is opened and guarded, and a loose tooth or a fragile cap can be chipped.
So you are asked to point out loose teeth, caps, crowns, bridges and plates. Knowing beforehand lets the team protect them. Dentures are taken out before you go to sleep.
Dental findings before a hernia repair
Dental findings before a hernia repair
| What is found | What usually happens | Who decides |
|---|---|---|
| Painful swollen gum | Treated first, date moved | Surgeon and dentist |
| Tooth due for filling | Often done before, if time allows | Dentist, with the surgeon told |
| Loose tooth or cap | Noted and protected in theatre | Anaesthetist |
| Dentures | Removed before the anaesthetic | Anaesthetist and nurse |
| Old, settled root canal | Usually no delay | Surgeon |
Tooth or gum trouble before a planned hernia repair? Tell us at the pre-operative visit so the date is set around it.
If a tooth hurts close to the date
Do not wait quietly and hope it settles, and do not take anything extra on your own. Call the team and say what you feel and since when.
Mild gum soreness is often not a reason to postpone. Swelling, fever, a bad taste or pain that keeps you awake is treated first. The team will tell you which it is.
Dental work after the repair
Routine cleaning and fillings are usually left until you are comfortably over the operation, often a few weeks later.
If something cannot wait, tell your dentist that a mesh repair was done and when. Your surgeon can be asked directly if any extra care is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can a bad tooth delay my hernia surgery?
It can. An active tooth or gum infection is usually treated first when a planned repair will use mesh.
Why does a tooth matter for a hernia repair?
Germs from an untreated infection travel in the blood. Mesh is a surface they can settle on.
Why does the anaesthetist look at my teeth?
A breathing tube passes close to them. Loose teeth, caps, crowns and dentures are noted beforehand.
Can I get dental work done just before surgery?
Tell both teams first. Simple treatment is often fine, but the timing is agreed, not assumed.
A tooth started hurting two days before my date. What now?
Call the team rather than waiting. They will decide whether to go ahead or move the date.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.