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Subcutaneous emphysema during surgical gingival depigmentation: a case report
Rasha Attia1,2, Neveen Nabil3, Maged Anis3
1Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, October University For Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA Uni), Giza, Egypt. rattia@msa.edu.eg.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|October 23, 2024
Summary
Subcutaneous emphysema, a rare dental complication, can occur after procedures like gingival depigmentation. Dentists must recognize its signs for prompt management and to prevent serious issues.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Oral Surgery
Background:
- Subcutaneous emphysema is a known complication of dental procedures, typically presenting with palpable crepitus.
- While generally self-limiting, it carries the risk of severe complications.
Observation:
- This case report details subcutaneous emphysema in a 22-year-old female following lower surgical gingival depigmentation.
- The procedure utilized an air-driven handpiece at 0.25 MPa, potentially causing air to enter fascial spaces via a mucosal laceration.
Findings:
- The patient developed sudden facial swelling, diagnosed via crepitus, consistent with subcutaneous emphysema.
- Complete resolution of swelling occurred within 7 days without adverse outcomes.
Implications:
- Even routine procedures like gingival depigmentation can lead to subcutaneous emphysema.
- Dentists must be vigilant for signs of subcutaneous emphysema for timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications.
