Extensive surgical subcutaneous emphysema secondary to the use of a high‐speed dental handpiece: a case report and discussion

Abstract

AbstractSurgical subcutaneous emphysema is known to be a potential complication of the use of high‐speed air‐driven dental drills (air turbines) and compressed air syringes. Often, however, we assume that it is just a theoretical risk to be taught to undergraduates that never actually happens in practice. Here, we present a case of extensive surgical subcutaneous emphysema secondary to tongue trauma from a high‐speed drill, extending far from the site of air entry.