What should you do with dentures during ventilation?

What should you do with dentures during ventilation?

• A. Removed and stored
• B. Left in place
• C. Removed and replaced with bite block
• D. Soak in antiseptic

Answer: (B)

During ventilation with a bag-mask or other positive-pressure device, you should generally leave dentures in place. They help maintain the structure of the mouth and airway, and removing them unnecessarily can risk airway obstruction or aspiration if a denture slips loose. Keeping them in place also allows for a quicker, more reliable seal around the mask. Only remove dentures if they are loose, ill-fitting, or clearly interfering with the mask seal or airflow; in such cases, remove them carefully to prevent displacement. If intubation is anticipated, some clinicians remove loose dentures to improve access, but for routine ventilation they’re left in place.

During ventilation with a bag-mask or other positive-pressure device, you should generally leave dentures in place. They help maintain the structure of the mouth and airway, and removing them unnecessarily can risk airway obstruction or aspiration if a denture slips loose. Keeping them in place also allows for a quicker, more reliable seal around the mask. Only remove dentures if they are loose, ill-fitting, or clearly interfering with the mask seal or airflow; in such cases, remove them carefully to prevent displacement. If intubation is anticipated, some clinicians remove loose dentures to improve access, but for routine ventilation they’re left in place.