Ingestion of orthodontic anchorage screws: An experimental study in dogs

Abstract

Introduction: Sharp-edged foreign bodies that are accidentally swallowed can become lodged in the stomach. This animal study was undertaken to determine the outcome of orthodontic anchorage screw ingestion. Methods: We evaluated radiographs of 10 mixed-breed dogs that ingested 10 orthodontic anchorage screws and 10 reamers (1 screw and 1 reamer per dog). Results: All orthodontic anchorage screws and all but 2 reamers were spontaneously passed within 7 days. Conclusions: Further investigation is needed to determine whether the results of our animal study agree with clinical findings. © 2007 American Association of Orthodontists.