15/02/2026
Dental File Stuck in Throat During Root Canal 😱 | ENT Emergency https://youtube.com/shorts/VpgKfJRpD3o?feature=share
Case Report (≈200 words)
Accidental ingestion or aspiration of dental instruments is a recognized but uncommon complication in clinical practice. We report a rare case of a dental endodontic file becoming lodged in the pharynx during root canal treatment (RCT). During the procedure, the file slipped from the operator’s control and migrated posteriorly into the patient’s throat, immediately raising concern for airway compromise and mucosal injury.
Prompt recognition of the missing instrument led to urgent otolaryngology (ENT) referral. Clinical examination confirmed the presence of a sharp metallic foreign body within the pharynx. The object was safely retrieved using appropriate endoscopic techniques without complication. The patient remained stable throughout, and no perforation or secondary injury was observed.
Foreign body incidents involving dental instruments, though infrequent, carry significant risk due to the sharp morphology and potential for airway obstruction or gastrointestinal perforation. Early diagnosis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and timely intervention are critical to minimizing morbidity (Tiwana et al., 2004). Preventive strategies, particularly the routine use of rubber dam isolation during endodontic procedures, significantly reduce the risk of instrument ingestion or aspiration (Susini et al., 2007).
This case underscores the importance of procedural vigilance, rapid specialist involvement, and adherence to established safety protocols in preventing and managing dental foreign body emergencies.
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References
Tiwana KK, Morton T, Tiwana PS. Aspiration and ingestion in dental practice. J Am Dent Assoc. 2004.
Susini G, Pommel L, Camps J. Accidental ingestion and aspiration of endodontic instruments. Int Endod J. 2007.
Dental File Accident in Pharynx during Root Canal | Dentist & ENT Emergency 🚨A rare but serious situation where a dental endodontic file becomes a foreign b...