Transoral surgery is often described as minimally invasive because there are no external incisions. But when we use the mouth as a single access port, we are working through delicate and vulnerable structures.
Lips can burn, pinch, or tear. Teeth can fracture. The tongue can suffer pressure injury. None of this is acceptable in modern surgery.
Dental splints and proper soft-tissue protection are not accessories, they are part of the technique. Patient safety in the OR begins before the first incision… even when there is no incision.
We’ve just published a new page discussing dental splints and why tooth protection remains essential in transoral surgery. Read the full article on headneckroboticsurgery.com
J Granell. Feb 28, 2026