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CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Ocular complications associated with local anesthesia administration in dentistry
Sean G Boynes1, Zydnia Echeverria, Mohammad Abdulwahab
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. seangboynes@hotmail.com
Dental Clinics of North America
|September 14, 2010
Summary
Local anesthesia in dentistry can cause rare but serious eye complications like vision loss. Dentists must use proper injection techniques to prevent these adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Local anesthetics are essential for pain control in dental procedures.
- Nerve blocks targeting the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) are common in dentistry.
- Intraoral injections carry a risk of affecting unintended nerves.
Observation:
- Inadvertent anesthesia of nerves beyond the oral cavity can occur.
- Ocular complications, including oculomotor paralysis and vision loss, are potential risks.
- These complications arise from unintended nerve blockade during dental anesthesia.
Findings:
- The trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) branches innervate structures within and outside the oral cavity.
- Anesthetic solutions can spread to affect cranial nerves controlling eye movement and vision.
- Awareness of potential ocular side effects is crucial for dental practitioners.
Implications:
- Dentists must be knowledgeable about potential ocular complications from local anesthesia.
- Appropriate injection techniques are vital to minimize the risk of vision loss and paralysis.
- Understanding management protocols for these rare complications is essential for patient safety.
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