Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategy of Dental Therapy-related Subcutaneous Emphysema

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) is defined as localized tissue swelling caused by gas entering subcutaneous tissue through a tissue gap. Although SE is usually a nonfatal and self-limiting disease, in severe cases, the gas may spread to the neck, mediastinum, and chest, leading to mediastinal emphysema and other serious complications. This article aims to explore the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment strategy of SE related to dental therapy, to provide some reference for dentists.

Keywords

• subcutaneous emphysema; mediastinal emphysema; dental treatment; complications; swelling of the face; high-speed turbine