Gianguido Cossellu1, Giampietro Farronato1, Antonio Carrassi1, Francesca Angiero2. 1. Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. 2. Department of Medical Sciences and Diagnostic Integrated, S. Martino Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Foreign body aspiration is a possible complication of dental treatment that may result in a life-threatening situation. The foreign body is often spontaneously ejected from the airway, but in other cases, surgical intervention is needed. Prevention, diagnostic procedures, treatment and complications are discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cases of aspiration of dental instruments are described: the piece was localised in the right main bronchus in two cases and in the left main bronchus in one case. RESULTS: All three cases underwent surgery (resection and bronchoscopy); in one case, the surgical attempt failed, and the foreign body was not located by radiography; it was assumed to have been expelled spontaneously. CONCLUSION: The management of dental materials and instruments requires particular care, especially if the patient is supine or semi-recumbent. The dentist must be able to manage emergency situations in which patients accidentally inspire or swallow dental instruments or materials during treatment. Preventive techniques must be put in place because these incidents are preventable if the correct precautions are taken.
OBJECTIVE: Foreign body aspiration is a possible complication of dental treatment that may result in a life-threatening situation. The foreign body is often spontaneously ejected from the airway, but in other cases, surgical intervention is needed. Prevention, diagnostic procedures, treatment and complications are discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three cases of aspiration of dental instruments are described: the piece was localised in the right main bronchus in two cases and in the left main bronchus in one case. RESULTS: All three cases underwent surgery (resection and bronchoscopy); in one case, the surgical attempt failed, and the foreign body was not located by radiography; it was assumed to have been expelled spontaneously. CONCLUSION: The management of dental materials and instruments requires particular care, especially if the patient is supine or semi-recumbent. The dentist must be able to manage emergency situations in which patients accidentally inspire or swallow dental instruments or materials during treatment. Preventive techniques must be put in place because these incidents are preventable if the correct precautions are taken.
Authors: Rui Hou; Hongzhi Zhou; Kaijin Hu; Yuxiang Ding; Xia Yang; Guangjie Xu; Peng Xue; Chun Shan; Sen Jia; Yuanyuan Ma Journal: Head Face Med Date: 2016-07-22 Impact factor: 2.151