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Swallowed SSC Management — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModeratePaediatric DentistrySwallowed SSC ManagementNDEB AFK

A child swallows a stainless-steel crown during cementation. The child is breathing normally with no signs of distress. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Obtain a chest and abdominal radiograph to confirm the crown is in the gastrointestinal tract (not airway); if in the GI tract, observe for spontaneous passage

If a child swallows a dental object (SSC, inlay, endodontic instrument) and shows no signs of airway obstruction (breathing normally, talking, no coughing/stridor), the object has likely entered the oesophagus/GI tract rather than the airway. A PA chest radiograph (including upper abdomen) should be obtained to confirm the location. If the object is in the GI tract, it will usually pass naturally within 2-5 days (parent monitors stools). If in the airway (rare), bronchoscopic retrieval is needed. If in the oesophagus and not progressing, endoscopic retrieval may be required.

Reference: Hupp – Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 7th ed., 2019; Dean – McDonald and Avery's Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent, 11th ed., 2021