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Glass embedded in labial mucosa for 20 years
K N Sumanth1, Karen Boaz, Naresh Y Shetty
1Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Light House Hill Road, Hampankatta, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. sumikn@rediffmail.com
Summary
Iatrogenic foreign bodies, such as glass, can become embedded in oral soft tissues. This case highlights long-term lodging of glass pieces in the lower labial mucosa, leading to reactive bone formation.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Dental Materials Science
- Pathology
Background:
- Foreign bodies in the oral cavity can result from trauma or iatrogenic causes.
- Common iatrogenic foreign bodies include dental restorative and obturation materials, and broken instruments.
- Embedded glass fragments in oral soft tissues are rarely reported.
Observation:
- A case of glass pieces lodged in the lower labial mucosa for 20 years is presented.
- The presence of foreign bodies led to noticeable peripheral reactive bone formation.
Findings:
- Long-term retention of iatrogenic glass foreign bodies in oral soft tissues is possible.
- Embedded glass fragments can induce peripheral reactive bone formation in the mandible.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering iatrogenic foreign bodies in oral diagnoses.
- Awareness of potential bone reactions to embedded foreign materials is crucial for clinicians.
- Further investigation into the long-term effects of embedded foreign bodies in oral tissues is warranted.
