Abstract
IntroductionGossypiboma (foreign body granuloma) in the tooth socket as a complication of tooth removal is rare. Several cases of gossypiboma have been reported after orthopedic, abdominal, otorhinolaryngology, or plastic surgery, but there has been only one reported case after oral surgery.Case presentationA 42-year-old Caucasian German-speaking Swiss woman applied to our clinic for removal of her right mandibular first molar. Her right mandibular third molar had been removed seven years ago. Post-operatively, she complained of pain and foreign body sensation for six months in the area of the removed tooth. A panoramic radiograph of our patient showed a defined and oval radiolucent area in the socket of the right mandibular third molar evoking a residual cyst. An operation was planned to remove the cyst-like lesion. During surgery, a foreign body composed of gauze was found in the right mandibular third molar region. The histological findings were compatible with a foreign body reaction around gauze.ConclusionRetained gauze must be considered if patients complain of pain and foreign body sensation after tooth removal. The use of gauze with radio-opaque markers and extensive irrigation of the socket with saline to remove gauze fragments can avoid this mishap.
Highlights
Gossypiboma in the tooth socket as a complication of tooth removal is rare
Retained gauze must be considered if patients complain of pain and foreign body sensation after tooth removal
Our patient reported receiving a dental implant in her right premolar region seven years ago
Summary
The removal of lower third molars is one of the most frequently performed oral surgical procedures [1]. Our patient reported receiving a dental implant in her right premolar region seven years ago During this surgery, the dentist removed the right mandibular third molar (Figure 1). Our patient herself started oral irrigation with marigold tea, leading to relief of pain and foreign body sensation At her first visit to our clinic, an oral examination showed an insufficient composite filling on her lower right first molar, which was fractured on the distal side. A panoramic radiograph showed a defined and oval radiolucent area in the socket of her right mandibular third molar (Figure 2). The treatment consisted of a total surgical excision, in which the cyst-like lesion was removed Her right mandibular first molar was extracted. Our patient’s post-operative course was uneventful; complete recovery of the retromolar area was noted on the follow-up examination after two weeks
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