Subcutaneous Emphysema in the Surgical Dentistry. A Clinical Cases

INTRODUCTION: This article is devoted to the analysis of subcutaneous emphysema, a rare but potentially dangerous complication in surgical dentistry. The condition is characterized by an accumulation of air in the soft tissues of the maxillofacial region, which can lead to pronounced asymmetry and functional disorders. The main causes of this complication are the use of com-pressed air in dental installations, especially in endodontic treatment, and professional cleaning using the air-flow‖ method. The authors note that since the middle of the 20th century, the inci-dence of emphysema has increased due to the transition to modern equipment. AIM: To analyze these cases and emphasize the necessity of timely diagnosis and treatment of subcutaneous emphysema. The article examines clinical cases of patients from the maxillofacial surgery department with subcutaneous emphysema of the face, maxillofacial area, and neck. Provided data of laboratory and instrumental examinations, as well as a description of the treatment administered. CONCLUSION: An analysis of the clinical cases confirms that subcutaneous emphysema is a rare but serious complication requiring immediate hospitalization. A key differential sign of em-physema is crepitation, which helps distinguish it from other conditions such as allergic reactions or hematomas. Treatment usually includes antibacterial therapy, as the air is not sterile and can contribute to the development of infections. In most cases, the air bubbles resolve on their own, and the patient recovers within 7–10 days, provided timely and adequate therapy. The article highlights that many dentists lack knowledge about this complication, despite its classification in ICD-10. Thus, it is necessary to raise the awareness of specialists to ensure patient safety.