Tooth Embedded in the Upper Lip for 25 Years following Facial Trauma: A Case Report with Literature Review

Abstract

Facial trauma may result in fracture, displacement or avulsion of tooth, sequel to that, tooth/ tooth fragment can be lost, aspirated, swallowed or embedded in the perioral tissue especially the lip. A 40-year-old lady presented with complaint of pain in her upper lip with a discharging sinus, there was a history of trauma to the upper anterior tooth 25 years prior to presentation. Clinical examination revealed swelling with a discharging sinus in the upper lip and the presence of a hard mass felt on palpation with area of tenderness over the upper lip. Intraoral examination revealed obliteration of the upper buccal sulcus with missing 21. Radiographs taken showed a radiopaque structure in the upper lip similar to the missing tooth. Tooth removal and sulcoplasty was done under local anaesthesia. Patient tolerated the procedure and healing was uneventful. To prevent such occurrences, comprehensive physical and radiographic evaluation of patients with facial trauma are necessary.