Subcutaneous emphysema due to dental prophylaxis

Subcutaneous emphysema is a rare complication associated with dental procedures that can have potentially life-threatening complications. A 40-year-old White female patient was submitted to a dental prophylaxis with dental ultrasonic and jet of sodium bicarbonate to remove dental calculus. During the procedure, the patient reported discomfort associated with the appearance of diffuse swelling in the right facie. The region was slightly erythematous and with crackling on palpation. The diagnostic hypotheses were subcutaneous emphysema and odontogenic infection.
Source: Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics - Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Source Type: research