The use of computed tomography in the detection of radiolucent denture base material in the chest

With the introduction of acrylic resin denture base materials to the dental profession, radiolucency was recognized as a significant deficiency at an early stage. Continuous research into the production of a radiopaque material has been directed at including radiopaque glasses, salts or metals powders in an otherwise radiolucent polymer. However, the majority of new dentures are still made in radiolucent material which is notoriously difficult to locate by conventional radiography and reports continue to appear relating to the inhalation or ingestion of dentures (or fragments of them), occasionally leading to the death of the patient. Advances in radiographic techniques and equipment have seen the development of computed tomography (CT). This has proved invaluable as a diagnostic aid for disease and therapy but little attention appears to have been given to the use of this sophisticated technique in the detection of foreign bodies, in particular those of dental origin. This study investigates the use of CT in the detection of radiolucent denture base material. The results suggest that CT has substantial advantages over conventional radiography in the detection of this material and should be considered as a valuable diagnostic aid in those patients thought to have inhaled dentures or fragments of dentures.