title: Endoscopic removal of an endodontic file accidentally swallowed: clinical and legal approaches.
abstract: The use of a rubber dam is an essential procedure when treating root canals, and not using it may compromise the success of the treatment, as well as the patient's health. This report presents a case in which a K-file was accidentally swallowed during an endodontic procedure, performed without the use of a rubber dam. Given the absence of immediate clinical complications, the subject underwent a chest radiograph. The file was located at the oesophagogastric junction and was later removed by endoscopy. In addition to the clinical repercussions, this example also illustrates the ethical-legal aspects of this type of accident.
authors.affiliation: Department of Legal Dentistry/Morphology, Piracicaba Dental School, Campinas State University, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. rhonanfs@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Rhonan F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Emerson C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.forename: Felippe B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Prado
authors.forename: Jacy R C
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Júnior
authors.forename: Eduardo D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Júnior
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology; D004943:Esophagogastric Junction; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061214:Patient Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016733:Rubber Dams