Subcutaneous emphysema to the head and neck resulting from a dental crown preparation.

CASE REPORT: A 59-year-old African-American female presents with subcutaneous emphysema to the head and neck region resulting from routine dental treatment with a high speed air-driven handpiece. The patient had a chief complaint of generalized edema, dysphagia and pain to her face and neck. The patient subsequently was admitted to the intensive care unit for airway monitoring.

PURPOSE: To alert the dental community about the incidence of iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema from a routine dental procedure, and how to recognize and manage its occurrence.