Accidental intraoperative ingestion of a paralleling pin during implant placement

Abstract

Foreign body ingestion although unusual may be possible during dental treatment when placing any implants, prosthetic crowns, restoration, endodontic treatment, or orthodontic treatment. When the ingestion occurs, it is always crucial to locate the foreign body within the patient's body by taking bi-planar radiographs. Any features of airway distress or obstruction should be ruled out and if it is located in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the nature and size of the material will decide the protocol of retrieval of the ingested object. However, there is always a risk of intestinal perforations or obstructions secondary to the ingestion. Here is a case report wherein there was an accidental ingestion of the paralleling pin during the first stage of the implant placement with indications of various GI investigations and recommendations to avoid instrument ingestion.

Keywords

• foreign body ingestion
• gastrointestinal perforation
• implant
• paralleling pin