Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 202, 399 - 401 (2007)
Published online: 14 April 2007 | doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.273
Subject Category: Case reports
Bullets in the mandible over 12 years: a case report
F. A. Fernandes1 & A. Fernandes1
- Foreign bodies such as bullets can remain silent for a long period of time without giving rise to clinical symptoms.
- It is important for the dentist to consider removal of a foreign body/bullet only if there is a serious health hazard, keeping in mind the possibility of causing a pathologic fracture.
- As age advances, a periodic assessment of blood lead level is advised due to various metabolic changes which may occur and which might lead to mobilisation of the lead from its stores.
Abstract
Foreign bodies that enter a patient as a result of trauma are contaminated and produce a range of symptoms. We report a case in which radiographic evidence of foreign bodies in the mandible exposed a history involving a gunshot injury to the chin. The patient did not have any major complaints relating to the bullets lodged in his mandible or any symptoms of lead poisoning. These foreign bodies have remained clinically silent for more than 12 years.
- Resident, Goa Dental College & Hospital, Bambolim-Goa, India
- Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, Goa Dental College & Hospital, Bambolim-Goa, India
Correspondence to: F. A. Fernandes1 Dr Fara A. Fernandes, Rector's Quarters, Govt. Polytechnic Campus, Altinho, Panjim-Goa, India e-mail: sansrival78@hotmail.com
