Essential Role of Rapid Diagnosis in Subcutaneous Emphysema Following Dental Procedures

Subcutaneous emphysema is a rare dental postprocedural complication that can lead to numerous life-threatening conditions. It is important for medical providers to be aware of this complication for early diagnosis and management, which improves patient outcomes. This case report illustrates the clinical course and management decisions in a 35-year-old healthy male who experienced iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema along with pneumomediastinum following a molar restoration. The considerations of differential diagnosis, treatment, and management are discussed to aid in the medical decision process of the clinician.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-09-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.93298
Primary Topic
Pneumothorax, Barotrauma, Emphysema
Type
article
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article

Essential Role of Rapid Diagnosis in Subcutaneous Emphysema Following Dental Procedures

Nicholas J Carter
Cureus
Pneumothorax, Barotrauma, Emphysema
article

Essential Role of Rapid Diagnosis in Subcutaneous Emphysema Following Dental Procedures

Nicholas J Carter
article en

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema is a rare dental postprocedural complication that can lead to numerous life-threatening conditions. It is important for medical providers to be aware of this complication for early diagnosis and management, which improves patient outcomes. This case report illustrates the clinical course and management decisions in a 35-year-old healthy male who experienced iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema along with pneumomediastinum following a molar restoration. The considerations of differential diagnosis, treatment, and management are discussed to aid in the medical decision process of the clinician.

CureusVol. 17(9)
Evans Army Community Hospital (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 62%
Pneumothorax, Barotrauma, Emphysema
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