Transitioning from the dental chair to the bronchoscopy table: a rare complication of a root canal procedure

Abstract

Background: Dental needle aspiration is a rare complication of oral procedures given the advances in medical technology. Aspirations in general may also be asymptomatic, apart from the possible remote history of upper airway irritation at the time of induction. Clinicians should take a detailed history and examination, along with appropriate diagnostic imaging before discharging these patients from the emergency department. Case presentation: A young patient presented with an acute complaint of pain and coughing post-dental procedure. On arrival at the emergency department, she was vitally and clinically stable, without signs of respiratory distress. There were no complaints reported apart from minor throat pain. Imaging done in the emergency department revealed the presence of a 32 mm needle in the distal airway. She underwent emergency flexible bronchoscopy, and the foreign body was removed under direct visualization. The patient remained stable throughout the procedure and had an uneventful stay until discharge. Conclusion: While needle aspiration is a relatively uncommon occurrence, its early detection is always critical before further damage to local structures can occur. Regardless of presentation and symptoms, basic imaging is mandatory before the disposition is decided.