Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient contacts their dentist after swallowing a dental implant screw during crown placement. What is the MOST appropriate action?
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Correct answer: A. Escort/refer the patient to the emergency room for a chest X-ray
- A. Correct. The immediate concern with a swallowed dental screw is whether it went into the GI tract (benign) or was aspirated into the airway (emergency). A chest X-ray is required immediately to determine the location and rule out aspiration. If aspirated, emergent bronchoscopy may be needed.
- B. Sending home without evaluation risks missing a respiratory emergency.
- C. Waiting for physician guidance delays critical evaluation.
- D. While swallowed objects often pass, the risk of aspiration (into the airway) must be ruled out first before assuming GI passage.
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