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Extensive subcutaneous emphysema secondary to endodontic treatment

British Dental Journal volume 234, pages 88–91 (2023)Cite this article

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema is a relatively rare phenomenon, in the context of dentistry related to iatrogenic injury, with only 32 cases reported between 1993 and 2008. This article aims to discuss the relevance and importance of this issue to dentists, including how to identify the condition and its management.

Key points

  • We present a case of subcutaneous emphysema secondary to endodontic treatment presenting to an oral and maxillofacial surgery department.

  • Subcutaneous emphysema more commonly occurs following the use of conventional high-speed handpieces during surgical dentistry.

  • Active prevention of subcutaneous emphysema during dental treatment is important as it may lead to serious complications, such as airway compromise and life-threateninga sepsis.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Edinburgh Dental Institute, Edinburgh, UK

    Nirmal Shah & Bobby Sharma

  2. St John´s Hospital, Livingston, UK

    Nicola Campbell & Ahad Shafi

Authors
  1. Nirmal Shah
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  2. Bobby Sharma
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  3. Nicola Campbell
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  4. Ahad Shafi
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Contributions

Nirmal Shah, Bobby Sharma, Nicola Campbell and Ahad Shafi discussed the case and contributed towards the preparation of the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nirmal Shah.

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The authors declare no conflict of interests.

Written consent to publish was obtained from the patient to publish data included within the case report.

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Cite this article

Shah, N., Sharma, B., Campbell, N. et al. Extensive subcutaneous emphysema secondary to endodontic treatment. Br Dent J 234, 88–91 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-5407-z

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