The role of anamnesis and examination in pediatric dentistry: case report

Introduction: Anamnesis and examination in dentistry are processes that have critical importance for correct diagnosis and successful treatment.

In addition, because dental cases may present precursor findings in significant medical situation, these processes must be carefully considered.

Case Report: Eleven-year-old male child patient applied at our clinic for routine control. No medical findings were found. Regular margins of radi-

opacity at the base of the nose was determined in the panoramic radiography conducted for routine purposes and accident-operation, existence

of symptoms such as nasal flow was questioned again in detailed but no new information was received.

3-D imaging was used for detailed examination of the area and monoblock hyperdense foreign body was detected at the inferior meatus. Therefo-

re, a new anamnesis was taken child separately from the child with behavior guidance methods and it was learned that he stuck a magnet to his

nose five years ago and could not tell this to anyone because he was afraid.

Parents were informed and referred to otorhinolaryngology polyclinic and one week after diagnosis, the foreign body was surgically removed.

Following operation, the foreign body was identified as battery of hearing device. During control session three months later, the process was

determined to be complete without any complications.

Conclusions: In this case report it is aimed to emphasize that pediatric dentistry can play a primary role in diagnosis of important medical situa-

tions and in suspicious cases a separate anamnesis could be required suitable to the child’s behaviors.

Keywords: anamnesis, foreign body, nasal cavity, pediatric dentistry