Accidental swallowing of an endodontic file

Abstract

The use of rubber dam is mandatory for patient safety during root canal treatment. Early location of an inhaled or ingested foreign body facilitates appropriate and timely treatment management and referral. When a foreign body passes into the gastrointestinal tract, clinical symptoms and signs should be monitored closely until it is excreted or removed. An endodontic file can pass through the gastrointestinal tract asymptomatically and apparently atraumatically within 3 days.