Cervical and mediastinal emphysema secondary to third molar extraction.

BACKGROUND

A dramatic case of infected emphysema involving multiple deep cervical and mediastinal fascial planes following surgical extraction of a lower third molar in an otherwise healthy man is presented.

METHODS

The differential diagnosis and management of this condition are discussed, specifically contrasting it to necrotizing fasciitis.

RESULTS

The direct cause of this complication was the use of an air turbine handpiece and air syringe for the tooth extraction.

CONCLUSIONS

It is advised that air turbine handpieces and air syringes not be used during minor oral surgical procedures.