The need for esthetic and functionally acceptable radiopaque denture base materials is: reflected by numerous reports of patients who ingested or aspirated portions of dentures and reports of difiriilties encountered in the removal of these dentures because they could not be located radiographically.The type of denture most commonly ingested or aspirated is a maxillary partial consisting of a palatal piece to which is attached one or more anterior teeth. It may or may not have clmps. Ingestion or aspiration of the foreign body commonly occurs when either broken or ill-fitting dentures are being worn. Few cases have been reported where patients swallowed portions of complete dentures.Previous attempts a t providing radiopacity have included addition of heavy metal salts or radiopaque inserts to denture base resins. None of these attempts has been entirely successful.Elimination of dentures as foreign bodies requires a greater effort toward preventive measures by the dentist and the patient. When dentures are swallowed or inhaled, the dentist should immediately seek medical assistance for the patient. The common symptomless period following ingestion or aspiration should not lead the dentist to believe that there will not be serious subsequent complications.
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