A colonoscopy is a routine medical procedure designed to examine the interior lining of the large intestine, or colon. This examination is a standard method for screening for colorectal cancer and investigating symptoms like unexplained bleeding or chronic pain. The procedure requires specific preparation, including bowel cleansing and often involves intravenous sedation. Patients preparing for this often have practical questions about personal items, particularly regarding dental appliances.
The Requirement for Removal
All removable dental appliances, including full and partial dentures, must generally be removed before the colonoscopy procedure begins. While a patient may wear their dentures when arriving at the endoscopy suite, the medical team will instruct them to take them out prior to entering the procedure room. This requirement applies exclusively to items that are not permanently fixed, such as plates or snap-in dentures. Fixed dental work, like crowns, bridges, or permanent implant-supported dentures, are designed to remain securely in the mouth and do not pose the same risk.
Understanding the Safety Rationale
The primary medical reason for removing dentures is directly related to the use of sedation during the colonoscopy. Sedation suppresses the body’s natural protective reflexes, such as coughing and swallowing. If a denture were to become loose while the patient is under sedation, there is a risk of it falling into the throat, causing an airway obstruction.
A serious concern is the risk of aspiration, which occurs when a foreign object or stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs. Since the patient’s protective reflexes are diminished, a loose dental appliance could be accidentally aspirated, potentially leading to aspiration pneumonia. Furthermore, in the event of a respiratory emergency, the medical team may need to perform emergency airway management, such as placing a breathing tube. A denture left in the mouth can interfere with this intubation process, delaying the necessary intervention.
Preparation and Handling Logistics
Patients should proactively prepare for the removal of their dentures by bringing a secure, labeled container, such as a denture cup, to the facility. The removal of the appliance is not typically done immediately upon arrival but at the instruction of the nursing staff, usually just before the patient is moved to the procedure room.
The nurse will ensure the dentures are safely stored, either by placing them in the provided container or by entrusting them to a family member or escort waiting in the recovery area. Having the container ready helps streamline the process and protects the personal item from being misplaced or damaged.