Incidentally detected nasal foreign body on routine dental radiography.

A nasal foreign body was discovered on routine radiographic examination of a 7-year-old girl following traumatic injury to permanent maxillary central incisors. The mother and the patient were unaware of the object's presence and the child had no nasal symptoms. The child was referred to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon to have the object assessed and removed. This was accomplished successfully without sequelae on an outpatient basis. This article highlights the role of a dentist in the proper detection and diagnosis, prompt referral for its management and reduction in complications related to foreign bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]