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Middle ear problems after a Gow-Gates injection
1University of Pacific School of Dentistry, 2155 Webster St., San Francisco, Calif. 94115-2333, USA.
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|October 30, 2001
Summary
A rare middle ear complication occurred after Gow-Gates mandibular block anesthesia. Symptoms included ear pressure and hearing loss, resolving in 10 days, highlighting the importance of proper anesthetic technique.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Anesthesiology
- Otology
Background:
- Understanding adverse reactions to mandibular block anesthesia is crucial for dental practitioners.
- This case report details a previously undocumented middle ear complication following dental anesthesia.
Observation:
- A patient experienced unusual middle ear symptoms immediately after receiving 1.8 mL of 3% mepivacaine for a Gow-Gates mandibular block.
- Symptoms included inner ear pressure, difficulty equilibrating ear pressure, decreased hearing, pain, and severe headache over 10 days.
Findings:
- The complication resolved spontaneously within 10 days without further issues.
- Potential causes include hematoma, injection technique trauma, or anatomical variations.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the need for precise injection techniques in dental anesthesia.
- Highlights the importance of thorough anatomical knowledge and awareness of potential complications.
- Suggests vigilance for unusual symptoms post-anesthesia, even if rare.