Management of Accidental Aspiration of a Broken Luer Slip Needle during Intraoral Irrigation - A Case Report

Aspiration of a dental irrigation needle during an intraoral procedure is rare but potentially life-threatening, especially in children. This case emphasises the need for careful instrument handling and prompt intervention.

A 5-year-old child aspirated a broken irrigation needle during a dental procedure. The parents were highly concerned, though the child had no immediate respiratory distress. Imaging confirmed the needle lodged in the hypopharynx.

The primary diagnosis was an aspirated dental needle.

Due to airway obstruction risk, the needle was urgently removed under general anaesthesia. The procedure was uneventful, and follow-up for two weeks showed no complications.

This case highlights the importance of preventing instrument breakage/slippage during dental procedures and the need for early recognition and emergency management of airway foreign bodies to avoid serious complications.