Temporary lip paresthesia during orthodontic molar distalization: report of a case

Lip paresthesia during mandibular molar orthodontic distalization is rare. When it occurs, it is often related to excessive dimensions of the mandibular second molar roots. In this clinical report, we describe a patient who developed lip paresthesia during orthodontic treatment. The paresthesia was relieved by immediate interruption of the forces applied to the mandibular second molars and pharmacologic therapy. Before fixed orthodontic treatment proceeds in patients with large tooth roots, it is important to diagnose the relationship between the roots and the mandibular canal to prevent nerve numbness and damage.