Aspiration of an avulsed primary incisor: a case report

Abstract

This case report describes a 7-year-old boy who avulsed and inhaled a primary maxillary incisor. Over the next number of weeks, he developed a persistent, productive cough, which was unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. Radiographic examination revealed a small radiopaque tooth-shaped object in the right hilar lung region. The aspirated tooth was subsequently successfully removed by bronchoscopy under general anaesthetic. Despite the delay in diagnosis, there was an excellent outcome following removal of the aspirated tooth.