An All-Zirconia Crown Discovered 2 Years Following Aspiration

Accidental aspiration or ingestion can occur in dental treatment, as most procedures are performed with the patient in a supine position or semi-recumbent position. Aspiration of foreign bodies commonly causes acute symptoms such as violent coughing, choking, and dyspnea; however, if foreign bodies are stuck distally to the lower lobe bronchi or the bronchus intermedius, acute presentation can be rare. This clinical report documents a 68-year-old male patient who accidentally aspirated an all-zirconia crown during the try-in procedure. The case was initially surmised as ingestion. The crown remained in the lower lobe of the left lung for about 2 years without any significant symptoms. This report cautions the importance of airway protection during dental procedures.