Swallowing of central bearing plate.

While he was being fitted for complete dentures, the patient swallowed the central bearing plate that had become detached. The plate was lodged in the hypopharyngeal region of the pharynx and, with the patient under intravenous sedation, laryngoscope and biopsy forceps were used to retrieve it. Precautions that must be taken to prevent such occurrences include the proper attachment of the device components and testing for security, as well as upright positioning of the patient. The components should be explained to patients and they should be given instructions to eject immediately any part of the device that becomes dislodged.