Ingestion of a fixed partial denture during general anesthesia

Area of Science:

• Dental Surgery
• Anesthesiology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Dental trauma during anesthesia is a recognized complication.
• Extensive dental work, such as crowns and bridges, is more susceptible to damage than natural teeth.

Observation:

• A case is presented where a patient's fixed partial denture became dislodged during anesthesia.
• The dislodged dental prosthesis was inadvertently ingested by the patient.

Findings:

• The ingested fixed partial denture was successfully recovered postoperatively using endoscopic procedures.
• This represents the first reported instance of a dislodged fixed partial denture being ingested and endoscopically retrieved.

Implications:

• Highlights the risk of dental device displacement and ingestion during anesthesia.
• Emphasizes the importance of careful patient management and the utility of endoscopy in managing such rare complications.
• Suggests a need for increased vigilance with patients presenting with extensive dental restorations undergoing anesthesia.