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Author Credentials

Alexys M. Bolden, BS Mark H. Cooper MD, PhD Lynnetta F. Payne, DO Mark Coomes, MD Hayden W. Cooper

Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0000-2137-8705

Keywords

foreign body aspiration; bronchoscopy; dental bridge; left mainstem bronchus; COPD

Disciplines

Circulatory and Respiratory Physiology | Dental Public Health and Education | Medical Anatomy | Medicine and Health Sciences | Prosthodontics and Prosthodontology | Pulmonology | Respiratory System

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is a potentially life-threatening emergency that commonly occurs in children but varies widely in clinical presentation. Rapid diagnosis and intervention are of the utmost importance to prevent complications such as airway obstruction, infection, and lung injury. While uncommon in adults, most encountered causes occur in the setting of intoxication, neuromuscular weakness, or iatrogenic dental work. Those with dental prostheses are especially susceptible due to the partially attached nature, rendering the risk of accidental dislodgement. This report discusses an uncommon case wherein an 82-year-old male aspirated a dental bridge into his left mainstem bronchus during routine dental treatment. Flexible bronchoscopy with a urology basket had to be employed for successful removal. The choice of extraction technique via flexible or rigid bronchoscopy largely depends on the specific features and location of the foreign body; however, there is much debate about whether specific criteria warrant one over the other or if flexible should always be the first line. Preventive measures, including rubber dams, should be utilized to minimize the risk of aspiration during dental procedures, as the downstream effects can be deleterious. Despite the uncommon clinical occurrence of an adult aspirating a dental foreign body, this case report emphasizes the clinical importance of primary prevention to avoid similar occurrences.

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