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[A foreign body in the tongue].
O R Groh1, A Southwold, P C M Verbeek
1Flevoziekenhuis, Almere. or.groh@gmail.com
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Tandheelkunde
|October 26, 2010
Summary
A child presented with a tongue swelling caused by a foreign body, a complete tooth. Prompt diagnosis via physical exam and radiography led to successful removal, highlighting the importance of considering unusual presentations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Foreign bodies are common presentations in emergency departments, particularly in children.
- While lip foreign bodies are frequently encountered, foreign bodies within the tongue are less commonly reported in medical literature.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old boy presented with a localized tongue swelling.
- Initial assessment revealed a complete tooth lodged within the tongue, previously missed during an earlier emergency department visit.
Findings:
- Radiographic imaging confirmed the presence of a complete tooth as the foreign body.
- The foreign body was successfully and easily removed under general anesthesia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of thorough physical examination in diagnosing tongue foreign bodies.
- Radiography should be considered when a foreign body is suspected but not immediately apparent.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis of oral foreign bodies is crucial for pediatric patient outcomes.
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