Pneumomediastinum after dental surgery.

A previously healthy woman presented with chest pain and cervical swelling several hours after undergoing surgical removal of third molar teeth. Mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema was demonstrated by chest X-ray. Air had been introduced under the soft tissue flap by the high-speed turbine drill used to remove the alveolar bone, rather than the air/water syringe. Surgical handpieces that vent the air away from the surgical field should be used during such procedures. The mediastinal and subcutaneous air resolved after oxygen administration.