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Impacted dentures in the pharynx and esophagus – Implication for advocacy
Kenneth Baidoo1, Paa-Kwesi Blankson2, Sally Kwakye3, Estella Bilson Amoah1, Kafui Searyoh1, Grace E Parkins2, Amazing Grace Edem4, Evelyn Nyamekye1, Waltraud N O. D. Quartey5, Christiana Boateng6, Sandra Hewlett7
1 Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
2 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Ghana Dental School, Accra, Ghana
3 Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, 37 Military Hospital, Accra, Ghana
4 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
5 Department of Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Diagnosis, University of Ghana Dental School, Accra, Ghana
6 Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital; Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Ghana Dental School, Accra, Ghana
7 Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Ghana Dental School, Accra, Ghana
Correspondence Address:
Paa-Kwesi Blankson
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, P. O. Box Kb-20, Korle-Bu, Accra
Ghana
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_54_21
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Background: Impaction of dentures has potentially significant morbidity and management challenges. This study sought to leverage on the occurrence of swallowed dentures to advance discussions on its management and prevention. Methods: A 5-year retrospective review of patients seen on account of impacted dentures at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital was done. Variables obtained included age, sex, location of impacted denture, treatment done, denture type, number of teeth, and complications. Variables were analyzed, and descriptive summaries were reported. Results: There was a record of 898 cases of impacted foreign bodies which presented to the department. Fifty-five (6.1%) records were on account of impacted dentures. These consisted of 25 (45%) males and 30 (55%) females. Ranging from 23 to 98 years, the mean and median ages were 55.7 (±18.1) years and 56.5 years respectively. There were no complications, and no identifiable predisposing patient conditions. All prostheses were removable acrylic dentures, and some observations included worn-out and loose dentures, while several had their prostheses dislodging in the process of swallowing tablet medications with water. Conclusion: Swallowed dentures are not rare occurrences in Ghana. Denture wearers should, therefore, be encouraged to get professional reviews, especially when prostheses get unretentive, while dental professionals are urged to incorporate measures in their fabrication to reduce the occurrence of swallowed dentures.
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