What is a potential complication of the inferior alveolar nerve block?

Transient facial nerve paralysis is indeed a potential complication of the inferior alveolar nerve block due to the anatomical proximity of the mandibular canal to the facial nerve, which can be inadvertently affected when the anesthetic is injected near the parotid gland. If the anesthetic solution diffuses into the parotid gland, which contains branches of the facial nerve, it may lead to temporary paralysis of the muscles of facial expression on the affected side. This condition is usually self-limiting, resolving as the anesthetic effect wears off.

The anatomical relationship and the technique of delivery are crucial to understanding this risk. Anesthesia for the inferior alveolar nerve block is typically administered in the area of the mandibular foramen, and if proper technique is not followed, there is an increased risk of inadvertently injecting the anesthetic into surrounding tissues, particularly the parotid gland. This complication underscores the importance of proper technique and anatomical knowledge in avoiding complications during nerve blocks.

Other options, such as delayed healing of the jaw, increased pain following the procedure, or difficulty swallowing, do not directly correlate to common immediate complications associated with the inferior alveolar nerve block. They may arise from other dental or surgical conditions but are not specifically linked to the anesthetic technique itself