# Subcutaneous and Periorbital Emphysema Following a Dental Procedure

## TL;DR

A young woman developed facial swelling after a dental procedure, leading to a rare case of subcutaneous emphysema diagnosed and treated successfully.

## Contribution

This case highlights the importance of recognizing subcutaneous emphysema as a rare complication of dental procedures.

## Key findings

- Subcutaneous emphysema was diagnosed using clinical history and CT imaging.
- The patient recovered fully within a week after receiving amoxicillin.
- Prompt clinical suspicion is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment.

## Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema following dental procedures is rare. We present the case of a young, healthy woman who was transferred from a dental clinic to our emergency department due to sudden swelling of the left orbit immediately after a dental procedure involving the use of the dental air and water syringe. The diagnosis of subcutaneous facial emphysema was made based on the patient's history, physical examination, and computed tomography imaging. The patient received prophylactic amoxicillin, and the lesion resolved completely in one week. Prompt clinical suspicion and a thorough evaluation of the signs and symptoms, including a detailed clinical history, are crucial for diagnosing subcutaneous emphysema following a dental procedure.