Part of Dental Equipment Falls Into Man’s Throat

A Singaporean man’s visit to the dentist for a dental filling took an unexpected turn when a piece of equipment fell off and went down his throat.

What are the dangers of ingesting a foreign object?

The Incident

A Singaporean man had to go through a week of scans and was monitored closely after part of the equipment his dentist was using fell off and went down his throat during a dental filling procedure. Fortunately, after a week, the object passed through his gastrointestinal tract with no complications. 

This incident, which occurred at Jurong Polyclinic on 28 May 2024, prompted Polyclinic representatives to visit the man on the afternoon of 30 May 2024, with a basket of fruit. The representatives assured him that they would pick up the bill. 

A spokesman for the National University Polyclinics (NUP) said that this incident is a rare case. He shared that in Singapore, dentists and dental professionals alike are held to strict safety guidelines and protocols. Patient safety and well-being are top priority.

What Happens When A Foreign Object Is Ingested

A foreign object is something in the body that does not belong in the body. When a foreign object is ingested, it will pass through the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract, also known as the GI tract, digestive tract, or alimentary canal, consists of the mouth, pharynx (part of the throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity), oesophagus (a muscular tube connecting the pharynx to the stomach), stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.

Depending on its size, shape, and nature, an object can either pass through the gastrointestinal tract without causing any problems. However, complications such as blockages, internal injuries, or even perforations may occur in any part of the tract.

Sharp or large objects are especially dangerous. Although the man was eventually able to excrete the foreign object naturally, it is important that he underwent scans to track the object and was monitored closely. If the object got stuck in his gastrointestinal tract or caused bleeding, he would need to have surgery promptly to remove the object without further complications.

The Possibility of Choking

It is also fortunate that the object did not lodge in the man’s throat. In other words, the man did not choke on the object. Choking happens when an object lodges in the throat and blocks the flow of air. It is life-threatening as it blocks the airway, cutting off oxygen to the brain. 

If someone is choking, one must act immediately. The Heimlich manoeuvre is a first-aid technique that can help dislodge an object from the airway. If one is not trained in the Heimlich manoeuvre, emergency services must be called immediately.

Conclusion

Despite the anxiety caused by this incident, it is fortunate that no further complications ensued. To prevent critical situations, it is important to be aware of the dangers of ingesting foreign objects and what to do in the event of a choking emergency.