Dentist drops metal file down pensioner’s throat

A PENSIONER required surgery after a dentist dropped a metal file down his throat during a root canal treatment.

Alexander Hoar, 74, had the one-inch long metal and plastic file stuck in his throat for several hours before surgeons could remove it.

By the time he made his way to hospital, the metal file had dropped down into his stomach.

Surgeons had to put an endoscopy tube and pincer down his throat to seize the file and pull it out.

Mr Hoar, who is bringing a claim for compensation against the dental practice in Penzance, Cornwall, said he was overwhelmed with “absolute terror” as “all hell broke loose”.

Mr Hoar, of Penzance, said: “It was traumatic. All I could hear was the dentist saying ‘Alex, Alex, I’m sorry’.

“I’ve tried to go back for treatment since it happened but every time I go into a dentist I cry. It’s embarrassing.”

A spokesman for Bupa Penzance Dental Care Practice, then called Oasis Dental Practice, said: “Our team acted quickly to make sure Mr Hoar received medical attention. We launched an investigation and we’ve reviewed our practice procedures to help prevent it happening again.”