Abstract
A statistical study was made on 50 cases who were treated for denture foreign bodies in the esophagus at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kanazawa University Hospital during the past 43 years (1953-1977). There was a preponderance in male patients (76%). Seventy per cent of the cases were in the age range from 40 to 70 years. Sixty-two per cent of denture foreign bodies lodged in the hypopharynx and at the level of cricopharyngeal muscle in the esophagus. Thirty-seven dentures were removed successfully by esophagoscopy, but 7 dentures had to be withdrawn by external esophagotomy because of unsuccessful endoscopic removal. There were 38 upper jaw dentures in the 50 cases. Large dentures (over 6cm in maximum diameter) were 15, 10 of which were lower jaw dentures. Among 3 extremely large complete dentures, 2 were lower jaw dentures. Eight dentures had a single hook and 30 had double hooks. Single arm clasps were observed in 33 dentures (66%), while two arm clasps were in 5 cases (10%). Single arm clasp was considered to be less effective for holding clasped tooth than two or three arm clasp.
As for the cause of dislocation and misswallowing of dentures, 70per cent of the cases were considered to be due to deformity, fracture or deficit of hook (clasp) of dentures. It was proposed that dentists should continue their effort to improve dentures, and that instruction and follow-up should be given to denture-wearers not to keep their inappropriate dentures but to consult with their dentists for necessary repair.
