Key Points
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Orofacial structures away from the oral cavity ie the ear can be anaesthetised following the provision of a standard inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block.
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Describes possible explanations for this unexpected problem.
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Recommends that dentists warn patients of possible numbness elsewhere in the orofacial region following IAN blocks.
Abstract
This article presents a distant complication in the auricle following the administration of a standard inferior alveolar nerve block. The patient experienced profound numbness of the auricle on the ipsilateral side of the injection that lasted for about an hour following unintended injection to the auriculotemporal nerve.
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The authors wish to thank Dr W. E. Shankland II for helpful discussion and critically reading the manuscript.
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Ngeow, W., Chai, W. Numbness of the ear following inferior alveolar nerve block: the forgotten complication. Br Dent J 207, 19–21 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2009.559
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2009.559
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