Department of Otolaryngology, James Paget Hospital, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth NR31 6LA, UK. s.hashmi1@ntlworld.com
Swallowed or inhaled partial dentures can present a diagnostic challenge. Three new cases are described, one of them near-fatal because of vascular erosion and haemorrhage. The published work points to the importance of good design and proper maintenance. The key to early recognition is awareness of the hazard by denture-wearers, carers and clinicians.