A case of subcutaneous emphysema developed after resection of the upper labial frenum using CO₂ laser

Abstract

  Subcutaneous emphysema is a relatively rare complication in dental treatment. This paper reports a case of subcutaneous emphysema that arose after CO₂ laser irradiation. A nine-year-old girl underwent irradiation with CO₂ laser to resect the upper labial frenum at a dental clinic. On the same day, the patient was referred to our hospital with facial swelling. CT examination revealed subcutaneous emphysema. The patient was hospitalized and received anti-inflammatory treatment. She was discharged after three days, and the swelling subsided within seven days. Efforts should be made to master the proper technique for using CO₂ laser and to recognize the possibility of complication when conducting CO₂ laser irradiation.