Retrieval of Foreign Body from Mandibular Arch - A Case Report

Foreign bodies are very common in young children. The occurrence of foreign bodies such as metal screws, staple pins, darning needles, pencil leads, beads, and toothpicks lodged in the oral cavity have been widely reported across the globe. They may get accidentally implanted in the oral cavity either by trauma, ingestion, aspiration, or iatrogenic reasons. These foreign bodies may cause infection followed by a painful condition. These are usually symptomatic and show various signs of inflammation such as swelling, and purulent discharge. Such cases indicate the lack of awareness and dental neglect by the parents. These conditions are usually diagnosed by accident on radiographic examinations or pain and signs of inflammation such as purulent discharge associated with it. A proper diagnosis should be made to determine the exact location of the foreign body. Before its removal, a proper investigation should be conducted. Computed tomography (CT) scan, radiographs, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be done depending on the foreign body's composition, size, and location. Because of the risk of migrating to adjacent areas, these should be performed immediately during surgery. Other common conditions include salivary gland lesions, mucocelebeing one of the most common salivary gland lesions. It is usually painless but may present with difficulty in activities like eating and speaking for the patients. They are most frequently found in the lower lip region. Mucoceles can be of two types: Extravasation type, which is usually a result of trauma to salivary glands. While the Retention type occurs due to a decrease or absence of glandular secretions. This article presents a case of surgical removal of an unusual foreign body followed by surgical removal of the mucocele from the lower lip region caused due to the same.