Question:
I had an ancient gold cantilever bridge (crown with a stub of a false
tooth ... the plastic part was destroyed 15 years ago by a dentist who
believed in grinding everything in sight).
This morning, I ate a nectarine, and the crown is gone, presumably
swallowed.
I know people swallow and pass objects all the time. Should I just wait a
few days for it to pass through ? I can avoid bowel movements away from
home, and (sigh) check for its reappearance.
Is there much danger of it becoming embedded in the bowel ? There is a
sharp edge.
What other options do I have ?
Answer:
I can't say I have a lot of experience here, but I have seen a few cases where the restoration was eventually passed without
incident. I suppose it is possible that it could become lodged somewhere, but I have not personally heard of such a case.
This posting is intended for informational or conversational purposes only.
Always seek the opinion of a licensed dental professional before acting on
the advice or opinion expressed here. Only a dentist who has examined you
in person can diagnose your problems and make decisions which will effect
your health.
This reminds me of a dentist who was working on my teeth and the
receptionist put her head in and told the dentist that Mrs. Jones
called....she swallowed her crown. Without batting an eye or stopping
whatever torture he was doing on me, he said,
"tell her to go on newspaper for the next two weeks". It struck me so funny
that I started to laugh, then choke with all the cotton, instruments and
"Mr. Thirsty" hanging over my lip.
I did in fact swallow a crown and post, and was told that if I had any pain
in my lungs to get right to the emergency room. I tried to find the
crown....then said, this simply is disgusting.
This post reminds me of a dentist who was working on my teeth and the
receptionist put her head in and told the dentist that Mrs. Jones
called....she swallowed her crown. Without batting an eye or stopping
whatever torture he was doing on me, he said,
"tell her to go on newspaper for the next two weeks". It struck me so funny
that I started to laugh, then choke with all the cotton, instruments and
"Mr. Thirsty" hanging over my lip.
I did in fact swallow a crown and post, and was told that if I had any pain
in my lungs to get right to the emergency room. I tried to find the
crown....then said, this simply is disgusting.
This may be more information than we need. Standard advice: Eat bread.
It surrounds the crown for part of the journey. For the rest .....
well, do not worry.
