Gossypiboma in the oral cavity: A rare post-extraction case report with 4-year follow-up

Abstract

Background: Gossypiboma, also known as textiloma, is an uncommon iatrogenic complication caused by the inadvertent retention of surgical gauze or cotton, leading to a foreign body reaction. While well-documented in medical literature, its occurrence in dentistry is exceedingly rare and may mimic odontogenic pathologies radiographically. Case Presentation: A 40-year-old female reported for routine dental evaluation and replacement of a fixed partial denture in relation to teeth 47-45. Radiographic examination revealed a distinct radiopaque mass within the healed extraction socket of tooth 46. Surgical exploration was performed, and the specimen was submitted for histopathological evaluation. Microscopic examination revealed eosinophilic, non-vital bone lacking osteocytes, along with embedded foreign material resembling gauze fibers, confirming the diagnosis of gossypiboma. The patient demonstrated satisfactory and uneventful healing, and no recurrence was observed during a 4-year follow-up period. Conclusion: Although extremely rare in dental practice, gossypiboma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atypical radiographic findings in post-extraction sites. Strict surgical protocols, including careful gauze handling and counting, are essential to prevent this entirely avoidable complication.