Cervical and mediastinal emphysema secondary to third molar extraction.
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.
Goodnight
J W
JW
Division of Head and Neck Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90024-1624.
Sercarz
J A
JA
Wang
M B
MB
D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000009:adverse effects; D013594:Syringes / Q000009:adverse effects; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*