title: Onychophagia and subgingival foreign body embedment: a case report.
abstract: This paper describes a case of subgingival foreign body embedment in the form of a finger nail fragment, as a consequence of onychophagia (fingernail biting). The result was periodontal infection that was concurrent with apical pathology on an adjacent non-vital tooth. This finding complicated the diagnosis and management of this case. Although foreign body impactions are relatively rare, they should be considered in a differential diagnosis, especially when the clinician is presented with an unusual clinical picture.
authors.affiliation: Dental Practitioner, M&S Dental Care, Fort William.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ellison
authors.affiliation: Restorative, University of Aberdeen Dental School and Hospital.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rahman
authors.affiliation: Restorative, University of Aberdeen Dental School and Hospital.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Barker
authors.affiliation: Orthodontics, University of Aberdeen Dental School and Hospital.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Larmour
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009259:Nail Biting / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery