Pneumocephalus as result of nonsurgical peri-implantitis treatment with an air-polishing device for submucosal debridement-A case report

Background: A subcutaneous emphysema is an infrequent but potentially life-threatening complication after dental treatment involving instruments functioning with pressurized air. Emphysemata after the use of high-speed handpieces and air-syringes are well documented, however, more recently several reports on emphysemata produced by air-polishing devices during management of peri-implant biological complications have appeared. To the best of our knowledge, direct development of pneumocephalus after a dental procedure has never been reported before. Introduction of air likely contaminated with oral bacteria to the intracranial space bares the risk of developing meningitis. Case Presentation: This case report describes the spreading of a subcutaneous emphysema into the intracranial space (i.e., development of a pneumocephalus) after treatment of a peri-implantitis lesion with an air-polishing device equipped with the nozzle for submucosal debridement. A subcutaneous emphysema was noticed during the use of an air-polishing device and the subsequent computed tomography (CT) examination revealed a quite unexpected spreading of the emphysema into the intracranial space. The patient was admitted to the hospital for close surveillance, CT follow-up, and intravenous antibiotics to prevent the development of meningitis due to the introduction of air-likely contaminated with oral bacteria- into the intracranial space. After 3 days, the patient was discharged in good condition without any further complications. Conclusion: In case of an extensive subcutaneous emphysema as result of a dental procedure, a more extended radiographic examination including the mediastinal and cranial space should be considered, to assess the risk for potentially life-threatening complications.

Automated summary

This case report describes the spreading of subcutaneous emphysema into the intracranial space after dental treatment. The use of an air-polishing device during treatment of peri-implantitis lesion led to the development of subcutaneous emphysema, and subsequent CT examination revealed the unexpected spreading of emphysema into the intracranial space. The patient recovered well after hospital observation and treatment.