title: Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum secondary to dental extraction: a case report and literature review.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Shih-Chia
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Tzu-Hsuan
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Chiu
authors.forename: Tzeng-Jih
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Hon-Man
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*