Extensive surgical subcutaneous emphysema secondary to the use of a high‐speed dental handpiece: a case report and discussion. (3rd September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hurst, C.; Birnie, A.; Rock, B.
• Is Part Of: Oral surgery. Volume 12:Number 1(2019:Feb.)
• Page Start: 61
• Page End: 64
• Publication Date: 2018-09-03
• Subjects: dental air turbine -- mediastinum -- retropharyngeal -- surgical subcutaneous emphysema; Mouth -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.522059
• DOI: 10.1111/ors.12367
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-2471

Abstract

Abstract: Surgical 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.