Onychophagia and subgingival foreign body embedment: a case report

This paper describes a case of subgingival foreign body embedment in the form of a finger nail fragment, as a consequence of onychophagia (fingernail biting). The result was periodontal infection that was concurrent with apical pathology on an adjacent non-vital tooth. This finding complicated the diagnosis and management of this case. Although foreign body impactions are relatively rare, they should be considered in a differential diagnosis, especially when the clinician is presented with an unusual clinical picture.