Accidental aspiration of endodontic file: a dreaded but a preventable complication

Abstract

Accidental ingestion of dental objects has been reported previously in literature. Accidental aspiration of a dental object is however uncommon. The affected patient may exhibit varying range of symptoms depending on location, type, shape and size of the foreign body swallowed/aspirated. We report a case about successful retrieval of an aspirated endodontic file with special focus on risk factors, prevention and management of these iatrogenic complications.