J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg.  2017 Feb;43(1):49-52. 10.5125/jkaoms.2017.43.1.49.

Iatrogenic subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema with pneumomediastinum after class V restoration

• Lee SW
• Huh YH
• Cha MS

• KMID: 2385071
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5125/jkaoms.2017.43.1.49

Abstract

Subcutaneous facial emphysema after dental treatment is an uncommon complication caused by the invasion of high-pressure air; in severe cases, it can spread to the neck, mediastinum, and thorax, resulting in cervical emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax. The present case showed subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema with pneumomediastinum after class V restoration. The patient was fully recovered after eight days of conservative treatment. The cause of this case was the penetration of high-pressure air through the gingival sulcus, which had a weakened gingival attachment. This case indicated that dentists should be careful to prevent subcutaneous emphysema during common dental treatments using a high-speed hand piece and gingival retraction cord.

Keyword

Subcutaneous emphysema; Mediastinal emphysema

MeSH Terms

Dentists
Emphysema*
Hand
Humans
Mediastinal Emphysema*
Mediastinum
Neck
Pneumothorax
Subcutaneous Emphysema
Thorax

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