Complications of Local Anesthesia in Dentistry

Three-dimensional CT scanning to identify the location of the retained needle fragment, followed by removal by an Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon in the operating theater under general anesthesia.

1. Do not use short needles for inferior alveolar nerve block in adults or larger children. 2) Do not use 30-gauge needles for inferior alveolar nerve block in adults or children. 3) Do not bend needles when inserting them into soft tissue. 4) Do not insert a needle into soft tissue to its hub, unless it is absolutely essential for the success of the injection.

Needle breakage per se is not a significant problem if the needle can be removed without surgical intervention. However, the needle fragment remaining in the tissue poses a risk of serious damage being inflicted on the soft tissues for as long as the fragment remains.

<p>Short needles should not be used for inferior alveolar nerve block in adults or larger children to prevent needle breakage and the risk of retained needle fragments in the soft tissue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Three-dimensional CT scanning has been recommended to identify the location of the retained needle fragment.</p> Signup and view all the answers