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

摘要

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.