J Dent Anesth Pain Med.  2017 Dec;17(4):317-321. 10.17245/jdapm.2017.17.4.317.

Facial blanching after inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia: an unusual complication

• Kang SH
• Won YJ

• KMID: 2399803
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2017.17.4.317

Abstract

The present case report describes a complication involving facial blanching symptoms occurring during inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia (IANBA). Facial blanching after IANBA can be caused by the injection of an anesthetic into the maxillary artery area, affecting the infraorbital artery.

Keyword

Complication; Dental Anesthesia; Inferior Alveolar Nerve; Nerve Block

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia*
Anesthesia, Dental
Arteries
Mandibular Nerve*
Maxillary Artery
Nerve Block

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Blanching on the left side of the patient's face, which turned pale after left inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia.

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  Fig. 2 Signs indicating blanching are observed extending from the outside of the nose, upper lip, central facial region, and the left zygomatic area. No facial palsy is observed on the left side.

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  Fig. 3 Partial improvement of the facial blanching sign more than 10 min after the initial sign and symptoms.

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