Accidental ingestion or aspiration of foreign bodies in the special needs patients during the dental procedures: A retrospective study

Background and purpose

Accidental ingestion or aspiration of foreign bodies (AIAOFB) is a potential complication during the routine dental procedures, particularly in the special needs patients due to disability and limited cooperation. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of 10 cases of AIAOFB in the special needs patients during the dental procedures from 2011 to 2024.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study reviewed 12 AIAOFB cases occurring either during the dental procedures or outside the dental clinic. These 12 cases were collected from the Oral Health Care Center for Special Needs at National Taiwan University Hospital from 2011 to 2024. Two cases were excluded because the possible ingested objects were not found. The analysis included the nature of ingested objects, dental procedures involved, types of impairment, practitioner experience, and subsequent treatments.

Results

Fortunately, no instance of foreign body aspiration into the trachea or bronchi occurred; all 10 foreign bodies were ingested into the digestive system. Thus, the prevalence of AIAOFB was 0.017 % (10/57,714). Various foreign objects, such as burs and wires, were successfully removed via endoscopic operation. Additionally, the teeth or prosthetic crowns were spontaneously passed through the digestive tract within one to two weeks without complications.

Conclusion

This study underscores the characteristics of 10 AIAOFB cases in the special needs patients. Vigilance is essential in preventing such incidents, and dentists must be well prepared to promptly diagnose and manage these emergencies when patients inadvertently aspirate or swallow the dental instruments or materials during the dental treatments.