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Endodontic procedures must never be performed without the rubber dam.
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology
|March 1, 1977
Summary
A swallowed endodontic broach passed through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully in a 50-year-old man. This case highlights the critical importance of using rubber dams during endodontic procedures to prevent such incidents.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Endodontics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The rubber dam is a fundamental tool in endodontic therapy, crucial for maintaining a sterile field and preventing accidental ingestion or aspiration of instruments.
- Despite its established importance, complications such as instrument swallowing can occur during endodontic treatment.
Observation:
- A case report details a 50-year-old male patient who inadvertently swallowed an endodontic broach during a root canal procedure.
- The patient did not experience any immediate adverse effects or complications following the ingestion of the dental instrument.
Findings:
- The swallowed endodontic broach traversed the entire gastrointestinal tract without causing any perforation, obstruction, or significant discomfort.
- Radiographic and clinical follow-up confirmed the successful passage of the foreign object through the digestive system.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical necessity of employing rubber dam isolation in all endodontic treatments to mitigate the risk of iatrogenic incidents.
- While this specific incident had a benign outcome, it serves as a potent reminder of potential risks and reinforces standard safety protocols in endodontic practice.