Open AccessSubcutaneous Emphysema and Pneumomediastinum Secondary to Dental Extraction: A Case Report and Literature Review
Author(s) -
Yang ShihChia,
Chiu TzuHsuan,
Lin TzengJih,
Chan HonMan
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the kaohsiung journal of medical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.439
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 2410-8650
pISSN - 1607-551X
DOI - 10.1016/s1607-551x(09)70366-3
Subject(s) - medicine , pneumomediastinum , subcutaneous emphysema , dental extraction , dentistry , radiology , pneumothorax
Here, we present the case of a woman who suffered from acute dyspnea and right cheek and neck swelling during molar extraction. The use of a high‐speed dental drill may introduce air into the soft tissue and lead to subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. After a review of the literature, we found that subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum are rare complications secondary to dental extraction. We report this case because physicians in the emergency department may misdiagnose the symptoms as an allergic reaction. Dentists should be more aware of air leak during dental extraction.