[Com­plications in dental local anaesthesia].

Area of Science:

• Dental Anesthesiology
• Pharmacology
• Oral Surgery

Context:

• Local anesthetics are fundamental to modern dental practice.
• Their widespread use necessitates a thorough understanding of potential adverse events.
• Ensuring patient safety requires awareness of both common and rare complications.

Purpose:

• To review the spectrum of complications associated with local anesthetic administration in dentistry.
• To categorize these complications into local and systemic events.
• To highlight the clinical significance and potential severity of adverse reactions.

Summary:

• Complications from local anesthetics are infrequent but can be local (e.g., nerve damage, hematoma, facial nerve palsy, post-injection pain) or systemic (e.g., allergic reactions, cardiovascular events, intoxication, psychogenic responses).
• While most complications are minor, severe and potentially life-threatening outcomes are possible.
• Nerve damage, particularly to the lingual and inferior alveolar nerves, and cardiovascular complications represent significant risks.

Impact:

• Enhances clinical awareness of potential local anesthetic risks in dental procedures.
• Informs evidence-based practice for minimizing adverse events.
• Contributes to improved patient safety protocols in dental settings.