Other
Anna Roman, DDS
Pediatric Dental Resident
UNLV School of Dental Medicine
UNLV School of Dental Medicine
North Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
William Buhler, DDS
UNLV
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Introduction of foreign bodies into the oral cavity can occur frequently in the pediatric population. However, it is a unique occurrence that a foreign body mimics oral pathology. This case report discusses an 18 month old patient who presented with a chief complaint of sudden yellowing of gingiva following initial assessment in the emergency room. Clinical evaluation revealed a well-defined, yellow lesion approximately 1 cm in diameter on the alveolar ridge similar in consistency to surrounding tissues. Following examination, the lesion was diagnosed as a foreign body. This case demonstrates the importance of oral pathology recognition in diagnosing and subsequently providing proper treatment promptly. Prompt treatment in this case is vital in decreasing the risk of future complications, such as aspiration of the foreign body.