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Ingestion of a RPE activation key: Why do these accidents still happen?

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European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Aim

To draw attention and increase professional awareness about the potentially serious complications that may occur when these misfortunes happen and to what actions could be implemented to avoid such accidents.

Methods

The present case report is of an accidental ingestion of a rapid maxillary expander (RPE) activation key in a cardiac patient and the subsequent diagnostic confirmation with radiographs and the management of this accident thereafter.

Results

On the third day after the accidental ingestion of the RPE key, the patient’s parents reported that the key was expelled in the stools without further complication.

Conclusions

Ingestion of foreign bodies is a potential complication during orthodontic treatment. These types of accidents may cause serious consequences to the patient, especially if there is a pre-existing systemic condition, such as heart disease or respiratory problems.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Dentistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Av. Dom José Gaspar, 500, Prédio 46, Sala 106, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30535-610, Brazil

    M. C. G. Pantuzo, E. Nunes, L. R. Pires & L. S. da M. C. Pinto

  2. Department of Orthodontics, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

    D. D. Oliveira

Authors
  1. M. C. G. Pantuzo
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  2. E. Nunes
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  3. L. R. Pires
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  4. L. S. da M. C. Pinto
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  5. D. D. Oliveira
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. C. G. Pantuzo.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors.

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Cite this article

Pantuzo, M.C.G., Nunes, E., Pires, L.R. et al. Ingestion of a RPE activation key: Why do these accidents still happen?. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 18, 119–121 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-017-0277-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40368-017-0277-9

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