Inhalation or ingestion of orthodontic objects in Finland

Abstract

Objectives. Although inhalation or ingestion of orthodontic appliances can lead to serious medical problems, the real incidence of these complications is anecdotal. This study had two aims: (1) to define the frequency of accidental inhalation/ingestion of orthodontic objects in Finland and (2) to analyze their further management. Materials and methods. An electronic, semi-structured questionnaire was sent to all members of the Orthodontic Section of Apollonia, the Finnish Dental Society (n = 251) and the Finnish Federation of Dental Hygienists (n = 437). After one reminder, 55.8% of dentists and 34.8% of dental hygienists responded. Results. In total, 20.0% of the dentists and 6.9% of the dental hygienists reported having one patient who had ingested or inhaled an orthodontic object. The percentages for two or more cases were 18.6% and 6.9%, respectively. According to dentists’ answers, the procedures following these complications were (1) observation for 2–14 days (n = 27), (2) radiologic evaluation (n = 14), (3) medical emergency (n = 6) and (4) dietary instruction (n = 4). Dental hygienists reported (1) observation (n = 9), (2) dietary instruction (n = 3) and (3) medical emergency (n = 1). None of the cases had been life-threatening. Conclusions. Although the risk of inhalation or ingestion of orthodontic objects is small and the consequences rarely serious, it should be taken into consideration. Prospective patients should be informed of this possibility.

Key Words:

• accidental
• aspiration
• dental hygienist
• emergency

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Jaakko Pulkkinen, MD, PhD, and Erkki Svedström, MD, PhD, for their comments during the writing of this manuscript. We also acknowledge the Orthodontic Section of the Finnish Dental Society Apollonia and the Finnish Federation of Dental Hygienists for their assistance in this study.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.