title: Long buccal nerve block: a previously unreported complication.
abstract: Although local anesthetic injections are commonly used in dental practice, the complex neurovascular anatomy of the face can present the practitioner with unexpected complications. Several reports document adverse events related to inferior dental blocks (IDBs), whereas long buccal nerve blocks are usually performed without incident. We describe a previously unreported complication of a long buccal nerve block involving blanching, pain, and paresthesia specifically within the infraorbital arterial territory of the face. We had previously reported an identical event resulting from an IDB. We discuss the facial vascular relationships that might explain this complication and how to manage it.
authors.affiliation: ST3, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, United Kingdom. kerryherd@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Marjorie Kerry
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Herd
authors.forename: Robert J R
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Brennan
mesh_terms: D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects; D001158:Arteries / Q000293:injuries; D002610:Cheek / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation*; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000009:adverse effects; D005143:Eyelids / Q000098:blood supply; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000009:adverse effects; D008046:Lip / Q000098:blood supply; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009666:Nose / Q000098:blood supply; D009915:Orbit / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D010146:Pain / Q000139:chemically induced; D010167:Pallor / Q000139:chemically induced; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000209:etiology; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D008012:Lidocaine; D004837:Epinephrine