Case Study #4: Chapter 10A 16-year-old male has come to the dental office to have a crown cemented on number 30. During the try-in the crown slips from the dentist’s hand and enters the patient’s throat. The patient begins to gasp and make a crowing sound. The dental team gets the patient out of the chair and begins to perform the Heimlich. After two sequences, the object is expelled and the patient recovers.Questions10. What type of obstruction is the patient experiencing and what could have been done to prevent this situation from occurring?

The patient is experiencing a foreign body airway obstruction, specifically an aspirated obstruction. This occurs when a foreign object is inhaled into the respiratory tract, blocking the airflow and causing choking.

To prevent this situation from occurring, the dentist could have taken several precautions. Firstly, the dentist could have used a dental dam or a throat shield. These tools are designed to prevent any foreign objects from falling into the patient's throat during dental procedures. Secondly, the dentist could have ensured a better grip on the crown during the try-in to prevent it from slipping. Lastly, the dentist could have instructed the patient to close his mouth while the crown was being manipulated to reduce the risk of aspiration.

It's also important to note that all dental professionals should be trained in basic life support, including the Heimlich maneuver, to handle such emergencies effectively.