Precautions for Accidental Ingestion of a Foreign Body

摘要

This case serves to remind oral health care providers of the importance of locating a foreign body presumed to be ingested during a dental procedure. A 58-year-old male was undergoing treatment for a dental crown when he accidentally ingested a 20 mm stainless steel post intended to support the prosthesis. The patient did not display any signs of distress and was referred to a hospital emergency department to determine the location of the object. Imaging revealed the post, described as a "needle-like object," overlying the mid-abdomen (Fig. 1). The patient was instructed