CERVICAL AND MEDIASTINAL EMPHYSEMA SECONDARY TO 3RD MOLAR EXTRACTION

Background. A dramatic case of infected emphysema involving multiple d eep cervical and mediastinal fascial planes following surgical extract ion of a lower third molar in an otherwise healthy man is presented. M ethods. The differential diagnosis and management of this condition ar e discussed, specifically contrasting it to necrotizing fasciitis. Res ults. The direct cause of this complication was the use of an air turb ine handpiece and air syringe for the tooth extraction. Conclusions. I t is advised that air turbine handpieces and air syringes not be used during minor oral surgical procedures. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc .