title: Subcutaneous and periorbital emphysema following dental procedure.
abstract: Subcutaneous emphysema following a dental procedure is a relatively uncommon phenomenon that may produce a dramatic clinical presentation. The advent of high-powered dental equipment that uses directed and highly pressurized air has increased the risk of this complication, but few cases have been described in the ophthalmic literature. The authors present a case of subcutaneous periorbital emphysema in a young woman following a dental procedure. Aside from a temporary ptosis, there were no other ophthalmic complications. An attempt to decompress the air produced minimal relief. The condition resolved spontaneously within 1 week.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, U.S.A.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fleischman
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Lyndon B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*