Pneumomediastinum after dental treatment

Abstract

Pneumomediastinum is a rare and life-threatening complication that may occur following dental procedures. We report a case of acute subcutaneous emphysema that extended through the superior mediastinum, after a root canal treatment and air syringe use. Awareness of such complication and prompt prophylactic antibiotic therapy are extremely important and can save lives.

Keywords

• Mediastinal emphysema/etiology
• Root canal therapy/adverse effects
• Root canal therapy/methods
• Case reports