Subcutaneous Emphysema and Pneumomediastinum during Endodontic Therapy: Case Report

Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum can occur during dental surgical procedures. We present a case of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum from endodontic therapy (root canal therapy) using a three-way syringe, high speed hand piece. The use of this air-driven instrument allows air and water to enter the fascial planes and causes swelling in areas of face and neck. Upon the arrival to our emergency department, the patient did not display any symptom and sign for airway compromise and cardiovascular collapse. Therefore, we subsequently kept the patient for observation with antibiotics treatment. Although many articles mentioned the life threatening complications of malignant pneumomediastinum and mediastinitis, but in fact, there rarely occurred such outcomes.