Methods: This observational prospective study was conducted on 112 patients (12 anterior maxillary and mandibular teeth in each patient) in Taleghani hospital (Tehran, Iran). Patients were under general anesthesia by oro-endotracheal intubation. They were examined for old and new cracks, pre and post intubation, before and after the intubation using a light cure unit (Sanyi, SLC-35C, ZHE, China).
Results: Maxillary incisors had the highest incidence of new cracks (28.58%). The left quadrant was more susceptible in traumas (17.9%), than the right quadrant (10.7%). Gender, BMI, ASA class, Angles classification, and the experience of the operator who inserted the tube had no association with higher frequency of new cracks.
Conclusions: Dental cracks due to intubation are highly prevalent. These injuries are mostly disregarded by the anesthesiologist since they are not visible and do not cause any complication or problem during anesthesia. Enhancing the knowledge of anesthesiologist about dental anatomy, physiology, and pathology and use of the teeth-guard (prefabricated or customized) are necessary measures to prevent such injuries.