Permanent nerve damage from inferior alveolar nerve blocks: a current update
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Journal of the California Dental Association
|January 16, 2013
Summary
Inferior alveolar nerve blocks can lead to permanent nerve damage, with varying incidences across local anesthetics. Lidocaine, articaine, and prilocaine were all associated with nerve injury cases.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Anesthesiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Inferior alveolar nerve blocks are common dental procedures.
- Permanent nerve damage following these blocks has been documented.
- The specific local anesthetic's role in nerve injury requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update the incidence of permanent nerve involvement following inferior alveolar nerve blocks.
- To analyze the association of specific local anesthetics with nerve damage.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of cases reported to a single unit over six years.
- Analysis of anesthetic agents used in cases of suspected nerve involvement.
Main Results:
- Lidocaine was associated with 25% of reported cases.
- Articaine was associated with 33% of reported cases.
- Prilocaine was associated with 34% of reported cases.
Conclusions:
- Permanent nerve damage can occur with any local anesthetic used for inferior alveolar nerve blocks.
- The incidence of nerve damage may vary depending on the specific anesthetic agent employed.
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