Author(s)

Masayuki Tokuda^*, Yoshiko Kawakami, Yoko Morimoto-Yamashita, Mitsuo Torii

Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.

Introduction: “RC-Prep”, a chemo-mechanical preparation for root canals, includes EDTA and urea peroxide as ingredients. For lubrication and its chelating effect, RC-Prep is useful as an adjunct in root canal enlargement. Furthermore, its cleaning action, due to its foaming properties in combi-nation with sodium hypochlorite, can be useful in root canal treatment in many situations. Methods: In a case of upper gingiva swelling, we used sodium hypochlorite with RC-Prep in the treatment of an infected root canal of the left maxillary premolar at the first visit. Within 2 min after use, the patient’s face became swollen. We kept the root canal open, and conducted a CT scan to investigate. Results: We diagnosed subcutaneous emphysema and prescribed 1 week of pain killers and antibiotics. The pain and swelling in the face finally resolved at 11 days after the incident. Conclusions: The cause of the emphysema was considered to have been the use of a sodium hypo-chlorite solution after using RC-Prep for an opened root apex.

Subcutaneous Emphysema, Hypochlorite, RC-Prep, Endodontic Treatment

Tokuda, M. , Kawakami, Y. , Morimoto-Yamashita, Y. and Torii, M. (2014) Subcutaneous Emphysema Caused by Sodium Hypochlorite plus RC-Prep. Open Journal of Stomatology, 4, 527-532. doi: 10.4236/ojst.2014.412070.