Nasal foreign bodies incidentally detected on dental radiography

Two nasal foreign bodies were discovered by a dental practitioner on a routine radiographic examination of a 15-year-old autistic patient. Going over past radiographs, one of the nasal foreign bodies was detected in a radiograph performed 2 years previously. No nasal complaints or other clues to the problem were apparent. The patient was referred to the emergency room, and the foreign bodies were removed by an Ear Nose and Throat specialist, under general anesthesia. This paper reviews the diagnosis and treatment of nasal foreign bodies, and highlights the important role of the dental practitioner in the proper detection and diagnosis, prompt referral for management, and reduction in related complications.