A Case Report of Metallic Surgical Artifacts in Oral and Maxillofacial Region: A Radiologist's Challenge to Diagnose

Abstract

The presence of radio opaque-embedded foreign bodies on dental radiographs, especially after dental treatment or maxillofacial trauma is not uncommon. These artifacts could lead to misinterpretation since they may obscure anatomical structures and/or mask critical structures/pathologies. The present case report describes an accidental finding of a radiograph in which multiple irregular, filamentous, radiopaque strings in the dental diagnostic radiographs of the head and neck area are found. It was diagnosed as a metallic surgical artifact and best of our knowledge has never been reported previously in the dental literature. This artifact is observed as incidental findings on dental radiographs and these radiopaque entities are a diagnostic challenge for the unacquainted clinician. Therefore, a more detailed clinical history of the patient indicated that these strings originated from plastic surgery for aesthetic purposes. This article will discuss background information, relevant clinical history, indications, complications, and nursing considerations for diagnosis.