FACIAL EMPHYSEMA DURING ENDODONTIC TREATMENT: A CASE REPORT

الملخص

Subcutaneous emphysema is the abnormal presence of air or gas in body tissue or spaces. This iatrogenic complication is usually caused by surgical procedures that introduce air into the soft tissues. Very few cases have been reported of this condition developing during endodontic procedures. This case illustrates peri-orbital subcutaneous emphysema in a patient during routine endodontics in an upper second molar tooth. During initial debridement and cleaning of the root canals, the patient felt a sudden pricking pain, immediately after which she developed facial swelling extending to the peri-orbital area. Since the cause of the swelling could not immediately be discerned, she was administered anti-histamines to counteract any possible allergic reaction. Later, the lack of systemic symptoms and the absence of any local signs of inflammation, along with the presence of crepitus indicated that the swelling arose as a result of subcutaneous emphysema.