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Cervical and mediastinal emphysema secondary to third molar extraction
Author(s) -
Goodnight James W.,
Sercarz Joel A.,
Wang Marilene B.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.2880160314
Subject(s) - medicine , mediastinal emphysema , subcutaneous emphysema , complication , syringe , surgery , extraction (chemistry) , fasciitis , dentistry , chemistry , chromatography , psychiatry
Background. A dramatic case of infected emphysema involving multiple deep cervical and mediastinal fascial planes following surgical extraction of a lower third molar in an otherwise healthy man is presented. Methods. The differential diagnosis and management of this condition are discussed, specifically contrasting it to necrotizing fasciitis. Results. The direct cause of this complication was the use of an air turbine handpiece and air syringe for the tooth extraction. Conclusions. It is advised that air turbine handpieces and air syringes not be used during minor oral surgical procedures. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.