Some postoperative oral observations in congenital heart disease

1. 1. A discussion is given of the observations made in the teeth and surrounding structures as seen in the following conditions: tetralogy of Fallot, coarctation of the aorta, and patent ductus arteriosus after surgery. 2. 2. Postoperatively, the most striking changes were observed in the tetralogy of Fallot. It was found that the cyanosis of the lips, cheeks, gingivae, and buccal mucous membranes was absent. The papillae of the tongue were normal, and no longer as raised, prominent, or extremely reddened as prior to operation. The cyanosis of the tongue was very much less marked. The blood vessels in the inferior surface of the tongue were less prominent. 3. 3. No change was observed in the size and shape of the pulps of the maxillary incisors after operation in coarctation of the aorta. They were still markedly enlarged and funnel-shaped. 4. 4. No observable oral manifestations were noted in patent ductus arteriosus before or after operation.