Is there any risk to my teeth or dentures during upper endoscopy?

Spare the teeth!: To protect your teeth from the endoscope (and the endoscope from being damaged by your teeth) a mouth guard is usually inserted before the start of an endoscopy procedure. To insure maximum safety to your mouth, make the endoscopist aware of any loose teeth or dental appliances, if you have overlays that may chip, or any dental, gum, and mouth problems. Safety is the endoscopist's #1 priority.

Yes Let Your MD Know: During endoscopy there may arise the need to pass the endoscope tube orally or to support you breathing requiring a good oral seal with a face mask. Let your doctor know of your concerns in advance of the endoscopic appointment and have him discuss your dental situation with your dentist or get a pre-treatment dental consult.

Don't wear them: Best to remove them and keep them in a safe place during your treatment.

Chipped teeth?: When prepping for an endoscopy, you will be asked to remove any removeable dentures prior to preceding as part of the normal protocols. Either leave them at home or with the individual who brings you to the procedure. Natural teeth have a small chance of chipping, so to be sure, take s close up photoblog your teeth prior to the procedure to document the status of your teeth. Your teeth should b ok.

Yes and No: If you have dentures, they will be removed prior to an endoscopy. So there wouldn't be any risk of damaging the dentures. If, however, you have all natural teeth, there is a slight chance that a tooth may be chipped due to the instruments used. Doctors are very careful and this is unlikely, but can and does happen. The risk is still relatively small.

Maybe: Dentures would be removed for the procedure, and sometimes (rarely) teeth may be injured during upper endoscopy.