Cervicofacial Emphysema Complicating a Dental Procedure

Hong Khai Lau; Sohil Pothiawala

doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.06.021

Cervicofacial Emphysema Complicating a Dental Procedure

J Emerg Med. 2020 Oct;59(4):586-589. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.06.021. Epub 2020 Jul 18.

Authors

Hong Khai Lau¹, Sohil Pothiawala²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Emergency Medicine, Sengkang General Hospital, Singapore.
² Department of Emergency Medicine, Woodlands Health Campus, Singapore.

PMID: 32694012
DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2020.06.021

Abstract

Background: Cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema can occur rarely after a dental procedure, especially tooth extraction, and can be misdiagnosed as an allergic reaction or post-procedure swelling.

Case report: We report a rare case of a 29-year-old man who developed extensive cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema after a dental hygiene procedure. A review of the relevant literature is presented in our report. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Early identification and management of this potentially life-threatening condition is particularly important and can prevent serious complications, leading to improved patient outcomes.

Keywords: cervicofacial emphysema; complications; dental; emergency department.

Publication types

Case Reports
Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Dental Care
Edema
Humans
Male
Mediastinal Emphysema* / etiology
Neck
Subcutaneous Emphysema* / etiology
Tooth Extraction / adverse effects