Swallowed Partial Dentures

Abstract

SUMMARYSwallowed or inhaled partial dentures can present a diagnostic challenge. Three new cases are described, one of them near-fatal because of vascular erosion and haemorrhage. The published work points to the importance of good design and proper maintenance. The key to early recognition is awareness of the hazard by denture-wearers, carers and clinicians.

Impacted dentures in the oesophagus

“…6 Abdullah et al found the lateral soft tissue neck radiographs helpful in 24 per cent of cases. 5 Chest radiographs rarely aid detection of an impacted denture, unless the denture has metal wires attached.…”

“…However, a definite history may not always be available, especially in case of patients with learning and mental health disorders, or those who have suffered from a drug overdose or stroke. 6 Occasionally, denture impaction is even compatible with near normal swallowing. 7 Patients may also present with apprehension that he or she might have swallowed the missing denture, as was the case for one patient in the current study.…”

“…When swallowed, the most likely presenting symptom of an impacted denture is dysphagia, with other complaints related to how far the denture has progressed and time since swallowing. 6 These other complaints include sore throat, choking sensation, retrosternal pain, sweating, raised temperature, hoarseness and coughing up of blood. A swallowed denture may rarely be lodged in the tracheobronchial tree.…”

“…If it is observed that there are some natural teeth missing, especially in neurologically compromised or disadvantaged categories of patients, the possibility of a swallowed denture should be noted. 6 Tracheal tenderness is a very reliable clinical indicator of an impacted foreign body in the cervical or upper thoracic sections of the oesophagus. In the current study, the presence of tracheal tenderness influenced our decision to perform oesophagoscopy, even in the absence of positive radiological signs.…”

A rare Case Report of Sigmoid Colon Perforation Due to Accidental Swallowing of Partial Denture

“…Foreign body swallowing is most commonly seen in the pediatric age group. In adults and elderly, it can occur with psychiatric disorder, alcoholic, mental retardation, or denture wearer [1,2].…”