Clinical evaluation of subcutaneous emphysema caused by dental treatments

Abstract

ObjectiveSubcutaneous emphysema caused by dental treatment is uncommon. This study retrospectively investigated cases of dental treatment-induced subcutaneous emphysema. MethodsEleven patients were diagnosed with subcutaneous emphysema at our hospital between 2011 and 2021. We evaluated patient age, sex, medical history, origin tooth, dental procedure, cause, range, healing period, duration of antibiotic, and complication. The influence of patient age, extent of the emphysema, or dental procedure on the healing period was statistically analyzed. ResultsThe average patient age was 48.0 ± 20.0 years. The incidence of subcutaneous emphysema was not related to age but was more common in females. Of the 11 patients, 4 had subcutaneous emphysema that spread to the chest. Patients undergoing surgical procedures requiring an air turbine or electric handpiece seemed to be at the greatest risk of developing subcutaneous emphysema. The average healing period and duration with antibiotic treatment were 8.18 ± 1.78 days, and 10.09 ± 4.30 days, respectively. The statistical results showed a significant difference in the healing period between presence and absence of systemic medical history. ConclusionsThe results of this study suggests that subcutaneous emphysema occurs more frequently following surgical procedures requiring an air turbine or electric handpiece, and the presence or absence of systemic medical history affects the healing period.