Computed tomography of emphysema following tooth extraction

Abstract

Subcutaneous and tissue space emphysema following surgical extraction of mandibular third molars is a rare and serious complication of dental surgery. Recognition of mediastinal emphysema following surgical extraction is difficult because there are no absolute clinical symptoms and signs. We present two cases of emphysema following extraction of a lower third molar and discuss the contribution of CT to the early recognition of the presence and spatial migration of air and to clinical management.