Accidental ingestion of an inter-occlusal device used for the restoration of occlusion: a case report.

The accidental swallowing of prosthetic devices has been discussed in the relevant literature as an unusual, although ordinary, event in clinical practice. This article aims at reporting the ingestion of an inter-occlusal device used to restore the Vertical Dimension of Occlusion (VDO) which, during the ingestion of an analgesic pill, was accidentally swallowed. The patient was sent to the Clinics Hospital UFMG where, upon taking radiographs, the device was located in the upper third of the esophagus. The device was removed during an endoscopic exam with the help of forceps for removing foreign objects. Dealing with a relevant situation, one may conclude that patients who use removable intra-oral devices must take part in a reevaluation protocol in order to detect adaptation and retention of these devices, as well as proper instruction for the patient.