Management of aspirated tooth in an adult head injury patient: Report of two cases

Abstract

Aspiration of foreign bodies is common in a pediatric age group but adults can also be at risk. We describe management of two adult trauma victims with aspirated tooth. In the first case, foreign body went missing for sometime by intensive care physician and detected by radiologist while it was obvious in the second case. Both the patients were managed with the help of rigid bronchoscopy. Tooth should be removed as soon as possible or it may result in complete airway obstruction or lung collapse.

Tooth aspiration in two cats following maxillofacial trauma

“… 5 In these cases, CT may be a more accurate modality in detecting and localising aspirated FBs, including teeth. 4 , 8 , 9 …”

Missing teeth after maxillofacial trauma: a case report and management protocol

“…Chronic retention of a foreign body can lead to formation of granulation tissue, inflammatory polyps around the foreign body, and obstruction of the bronchus 10 . Aspirated teeth can be removed using either a flexible or rigid bronchoscope; rarely is open thoracotomy needed 11 .…”

Tumour or Tooth? A Case of Missed Tooth Aspiration

“…Tooth aspiration can cause airway obstruction and asphyxiation, atelectasis, inability to clear secretions, and secondary infection [2]. Factors that can increase the risk of aspiration of foreign bodies include facial trauma, seizures, intoxication, dental procedures, and altered consciousness [3]. In cases of severe trauma, an aspirated foreign body may be undiagnosed for weeks to months [4].…”

“…However, the symptoms of an aspirated foreign body can include choking, haemoptysis, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. In ventilated patients, the signs may be more subtle, including monophonic wheeze, reduced breath sounds, or sudden increase in FiO2 requirement or ventilation pressures [3].…”