Surgical Emphysema Following a Restorative Procedure: A Case Report

From Volume 33, Issue 3, April 2006 | Pages 171-174

Authors

AJ Karki

BDS, MFDS RCS

Senior House Officer, Restorative Dentistry, Edinburgh Dental Institute, Edinburgh, EH3 9HA

Articles by AJ Karki

MM Stokes

BDS, MFDS RCS

Senior House Officer, Restorative Dentistry, University Dental School and Hospital, Cork, Ireland

Articles by MM Stokes

JS Fraser

BDS

Associate Specialist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Addenbrookes NHS Trust, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK

Articles by JS Fraser

DM Adlam

BDS, MBBS, FDS RCS, FRCS

Consultant, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Addenbrookes NHS Trust, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK

Articles by DM Adlam

Abstract

Surgical emphysema is a rare complication following a restorative procedure, despite the use of air-driven handpieces. Although most cases resolve spontaneously, it should be correctly managed to avoid potentially life-threatening situations, such as pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax.

Article