A Large Cheek Hematoma as a Complication of Local Anesthesia: Case Report

Hematoma is among less frequent complications which occur following local anesthesia. The posterior superior alveolar nerve block and inferior alveolar nerve block are known to be accompanied with a higher incidence of positive aspiration compared to all infiltration and block anesthesia techniques in oral surgery. We present the case of an otherwise healthy 8-year-old boy who experienced a large cheek hematoma after a routine infiltration anesthesia in the maxilla. Firstly, he was mistakenly treated under the diagnosis of type1 allergic reaction. Subsequently, the topical therapy for an evident, large hematoma was unsuccessful. Ultimately, incision of the infected hematoma and antibiotic therapy were crucial for its resolution. Early recognition of clinical signs of hematoma is of utmost importance for the surgeon in order to treat the patient adequately.