Mediastinal emphysema caused by a dental laser

We report a case of mediastinal emphysema caused by the use of a dental laser device.Case: A 64-year-old female who had pus retention on the right upper first premolar gum due to periodontitis was treated with an incision and drainage using a dental laser device (YAG laser) at a general dental clinic. Soon after the treatment, swelling on her cheek and neck on the right side was observed. A CT scan revealed massive emphysema extending to the face and neck, retropharynx and mediastinum. Antibiotics were administered prophylactically for several days. After 6 days from the onset, the patient's emphysema had resolved without any complications.