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ISSN 2007-3178 (Print)
Asociación Mexicana de Cirugía Bucal y Maxilofacial, Colegio Mexicano de Cirugía Bucal y Maxilofacial, A.C.

2018, Number 1

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Rev Mex Cir Bucal Maxilofac 2018; 14 (1)

Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum secondary to dental procedures

Alonso RE, Cebrián CJL, Hernández GJ, Burgueño M

Language: Spanish
References: 10
Page: 4-7
PDF size: 223.14 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction: Subcutaneous emphysema is a rare complication of dental treatment. With the use of air turbine drills, the air can be introduced through the lower molars; then, the air spreads to the sublingual and submandibular spaces and through the pterygomaxillary and retropharynx spaces to the mediastinum. This clinical picture tends to resolve in three to seven days, but complications like air embolism, mediastinitis or pneumothorax can occur and have potentially life threatening effects. Patients and methods: We present two clinical cases with cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema, one of them with mediastinal affectation, secondary to dental procedures. We review the most frequent causes, differential diagnosis, management and evolution of this complication to alert the odontologist and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Conclusion: Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum secondary to dental procedures are very uncommon. It is important to be aware of their mechanism and to detect and diagnose early because they normally resolve spontaneously, but sometimes subcutaneous emphysema can have serious life threatening effects.


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