Impacted fish bone in buccal space associated with an abscess: Role of point-of-care ultrasonography in dental emergencies

Abstract

Fish bone impaction in buccal space abscess is an uncommon dental scenario. A case of young adult with partially edentulous state contributing to this emergency is presented. The history, clinical imaging findings, surgical procedure, and checklist for clinical assessment are briefly described. The point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) was used in our case to identify, locate, and perform an ultrasonography-guided removal of impacted fish bone in consolidated abscess of the buccal space. The role of POCUS in cases of dental swellings or uncommon emergencies is emphasized in clinical settings.

Keywords

• buccal space abscess
• color doppler ultrasound
• fish bone impaction
• foreign body
• point-of-care ultrasonography