Periorbital emphysema following dental procedure: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Clinical case: The case concerns a 57-year-old woman who came to the Ophthalmology Emergency Service referred by her dentist after presenting a left periorbital swelling during a root canal treatment. A complete examination only revealed a soft, smooth periorbital tumefaction, crackling on palpation, with no associated inflammation. No radiological examinations were performed. Discussion: Subcutaneous emphysema has been described as a rare complication in the usual dental practice. Periorbital involvement is exceptional and usually has a good prognosis. In this paper, we describe a new case, reviewing the literature on the subject, analyzing the pathophysiology of the process and the changes in its epidemiology. Furthermore, recommendations for their management are established.