hammyj

Hi MBWorld! First post for me.
I replaced the large cam plug because it was leaking. I tried to be cautious when removing the plug but after removal I noticed several plastic "teeth" were broken off. I don't know if they broke when the plug was installed or when I removed it. My concern it the plastic pieces might be inside the engine so I am obviously very concerned. I need advice to address the possibility of having plastic inside the engine. I have not started the engine. Is it normal for the teeth to break when removing these plugs? Such a simple job now this! What is the purpose of these plugs anyway?
Thanks,
Mike

UPDATE; I removed the new plug without damage and with a mirror looked into the cavity. From what I am seeing I would think it would be next to impossible for anything to enter the engine from that location. I did not find any plastic in the plug cavity.
Any comments / advice to the contrary are welcome.