Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum following a dental filling procedure

Abstract

We report a patient who underwent a routine dental procedure and developed subcutaneous emphysema (SCE) and pneumomediastinum (PM). Clinical management included oxygen therapy, pain control, rest and supportive therapy as needed. Our patient clinically improved with this treatment, and was discharged home two days later. It is important to be aware that even minimally invasive dental procedures can lead to SCE and PM.

Keywords

• dental procedure
• subcutaneous emphysema
• pneumomediastinum