A Rare Twist in Trauma: Delayed Airway Compromise from Aspirated Denture Fragment: A Case Report

Abstract

Foreign body aspiration following maxillofacial trauma is a significant diagnostic challenge. The difficulty is compounded when dental prostheses are involved, as radiolucent materials are not visible on standard radiographs, and clinical symptoms can be delayed. A young woman sustained a mandibular fracture in a motor vehicle collision and was discharged after initial evaluation. She returned to the emergency department one week later with progressive dyspnea. Subsequent investigation revealed a large, aspirated fragment of her denture. This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for occult foreign body aspiration in patients with maxillofacial trauma. This potential complication must be considered even in younger individuals and in cases where the initial clinical presentation appears stable.