A case report of an intra-oral exophytic growth in reaction to Gore-Tex expanded PTFE membrane left in situ for eighteen years

Abstract

This case report explores the challenging multidisciplinary management of a gentleman over the course of 28 years. It begins with resection of a maxillary ameloblastoma, describes an 18-year period of elusive discomfort, culminating in an exophytic lesion associated with a retained Gore-Tex membrane. Retained foreign bodies can cause a multitude of complications including chronic infection, discomfort and reactive tissue growth. Imaging for foreign bodies may have a low diagnostic yield and surgical exploration should be considered when conventional methods fail to provide a diagnosis. The case concludes with successful prosthodontic rehabilitation, lessons with barrier membranes and foreign body management.