Subcutaneous emphysema during third molar surgery: a case report.

Extraction of third molars is the most common surgical procedure performed in oral surgery on a daily basis and, despite surgical skills and expertise, complications may occur. Complications observed during or after third molar removal may include pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, sinus perforation and nerve damage. Fortunately, with a proper management and a good surgical technique, the incidence of such events is low. Subcutaneous emphysema associated with dental extraction occurs when the air from the high-speed dental handpiece is forced into the soft tissue through the reflected flap and invades the adjacent tissues, leading to swelling, crepitus on palpation and occasionally spreading through the tissue spaces of the fascial planes. Although rare, iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. Care should be taken when using air-driven handpieces. The access of air into the facial tissues is not limited to tooth extractions, but may also occur through other portals of entrance, such as endodontically treated teeth, periodontium and lacerations of intraoral soft tissues. When subcutaneous emphysema occurs, it must be quickly diagnosed and properly managed to reduce the risk of further complications. This report presents a case of subcutaneous emphysema occurred during extraction of a mandibular third molar extraction with the use of an air turbine handpiece. Case management is described and issues relative to the diagnosis and prevention of this surgical complication are discussed.

Subcutaneous emphysema during third molar surgery: a case report

Extraction of third molars is the most common surgical procedure performed in oral surgery on a daily basis and, despite surgical skills and expertise, complications may occur. Complications observed during or after third molar removal may include pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, sinus perforation and nerve damage. Fortunately, with a proper management and a good surgical technique, the incidence of such events is low. Subcutaneous emphysema associated with dental extraction occurs when the air from the high-speed dental handpiece is forced into the soft tissue through the reflected flap and invades the adjacent tissues, leading to swelling, crepitus on palpation and occasionally spreading through the tissue spaces of the fascial planes. Although rare, iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. Care should be taken when using air-driven handpieces. The access of air into the facial tissues is not limited to tooth extractions, but may also occur through other portals of entrance, such as endodontically treated teeth, periodontium and lacerations of intraoral soft tissues. When subcutaneous emphysema occurs, it must be quickly diagnosed and properly managed to reduce the risk of further complications. This report presents a case of subcutaneous emphysema occurred during extraction of a mandibular third molar extraction with the use of an air turbine handpiece. Case management is described and issues relative to the diagnosis and prevention of this surgical complication are discussed.

A extração de terceiros molares é o procedimento cirúrgico mais comum na prática diária em cirurgia oral, e complicações podem ocorrer a despeito da habilidade e experiência do cirurgião. Complicações observadas durante ou após extração de terceiros molares podem incluir dor, edema, sangramento, infecção, perfuração de seio e dano nervoso. Felizmente, a incidência de tais eventos é baixa quando se emprega conduta adequada e boa técnica cirúrgica. O enfisema subcutâneo associado à extração dentária ocorre quando o ar da turbina de alta rotação é forçado para dentro dos tecidos moles através de um retalho rebatido e invade os tecidos adjacentes, causando edema, crepitação à palpação, e eventualmente espalhando-se pelos espaços teciduais dos planos fasciais. Embora seja raro, o enfisema subcutâneo iatrogênico pode ter conseqüências sérias e com risco de morte. É necessário ter cuidado com o uso de turbinas de alta rotação durante a realização de procedimentos cirúrgicos orais. A penetração de ar nos tecidos faciais não está limitada às extrações dentárias, e pode ocorrer também por outras vias de acesso, tais como dentes tratados endodonticamente, periodonto e lacerações de tecidos moles intraorais. Quando ocorre, o enfisema subcutâneo deve ser diagnosticado rapidamente e tratado adequadamente para diminuir o risco de outras complicações. Este relato apresenta um caso de enfisema subcutâneo ocorrido durante a extração de um terceiro molar inferior com emprego de turbina de alta rotação. O manejo do caso é descrito e os aspectos relacionados ao diagnóstico e à prevenção desta complicação cirúrgica são discutidos.

Bone damage induced by different cutting instruments--an in vitro study.

The aim of this study was to compare the peripheral bone damage induced by different cutting systems. Four devices were tested: Er:YAG laser (2.94 mm), Piezosurgery, high-speed drill and low-speed drill. Forty-five bone sections, divided into 9 groups according to different parameters, were taken from pig mandibles within 1 h post mortem. Specimens were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, decalcified and cut in thin sections. Four different parameters were analyzed: cut precision, depth of incision, peripheral carbonization and presence of bone fragments. For statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to assess equality of sample medians among groups. All sections obtained with the Er:YAG laser showed poor peripheral carbonization. The edges of the incisions were always well-shaped and regular, no melting was observed. Piezosurgery specimens revealed superficial incisions without thermal damage but with irregular edges. The sections obtained by traditional drilling showed poor peripheral carbonization, especially if obtained at lower speed. There was statistically significant differences (p<0.01) among the cutting systems for all analyzed parameters. Er:YAG laser, gave poor peripheral carbonization, and may be considered an effective method in oral bone biopsies and permits to obtain clear and readable tissue specimens.