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. 2011 Oct;23(4):177-81.
doi: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2010.10.007. Epub 2010 Nov 9.

Accidental ingestion of foreign object: Systematic review, recommendations and report of a case

Karthik Venkataraghavan  1 , A Anantharaj, P Praveen, S Prathibha Rani, B Murali Krishnan
Affiliations

Accidental ingestion of foreign object: Systematic review, recommendations and report of a case

Karthik Venkataraghavan et al. Saudi Dent J. 2011 Oct.

Abstract

One of the serious complications during a routine endodontic procedure is accidental ingestion/aspiration of the endodontic instruments, which can happen when proper isolation is not done. There are at present no clear guidelines whether foreign body ingestion in the gastrointestinal tract should be managed conservatively, endoscopically or surgically. A 5 year old boy reported to the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, D.A. Pandu Memorial R.V. Dental College, Bangalore, India, with a complaint of pain and swelling in the lower right back teeth region. Endodontic therapy was planned for the affected tooth. During the course of treatment the child accidentally swallowed a 21 mm 15 size K file. Endoscopy was performed immediately but the instrument could not be retrieved. The instrument passed out uneventfully along with the stools 48 h after ingestion. Careful evaluation of the patient immediately after the accident helps in managing the patient effectively along with following the recommended guidelines.

Keywords: Accidental ingestion; Aspiration; Canal; Caries; Dental care for disabled children; Dental instruments; Dental materials; Dental prostheses; Dental restoration; Emergencies; Endodontic files; Endodontic procedure; Endodontics; Endoscopy; Foreign bodies; Foreign body; Instrument; Isolation; K-file; Radiography; Rubber dam; Swallowing.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
X-ray I (taken immediately after the ingestion).
Figure 2
Figure 2
X-ray (taken on day 2) showing the instrument having descended further down.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Post operative radiograph.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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