Hypoesthesia after IAN block anesthesia with lidocaine: management of mild to moderate nerve injury.

Abstract

Hypoesthesia after an inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block does not commonly occur, but some cases are reported. The causes of hypoesthesia include a needle injury or toxicity of local anesthetic agents, and the incidence itself can cause stress to both dentists and patients. This case presents a hypoesthesia on mental nerve area followed by IAN block anesthesia with 2% lidocaine. Prescription of steroids for a week was performed and periodic follow up was done. After 1 wk, the symptoms got much better and after 4 mon, hypoesthesia completely disappeared. During this healing period, only early steroid medication was prescribed. In most cases, hypoesthesia is resolved within 6 mon, but being aware of etiology and the treatment options of hypoesthesia is important. Because the hypoesthesia caused by IAN block anesthesia is a mild to moderate nerve injury, early detection of symptom and prescription of steroids could be helpful for improvement of the hypoesthesia.

• Authors: Sungjoo Moon, Seung-Jong Lee, Euiseong Kim, Chan-Young Lee
• Journal: Restorative dentistry & endodontics (Restor Dent Endod) Vol. 37 Issue 4 Pg. 232-5 (Nov 2012) ISSN: 2234-7658 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 23430216 (Publication Type: Case Reports)