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What Causes Facial Swelling Following A Dental Anesthetic In My Upper Left Buccal Sulcus?
Question: I experienced severe facial swelling following a dental anaesthetic in my upper left buccal sulcus. It appeared after half an hour and spreadable from lower eye lid right down to lymph glands and involved the TMJ and jaw on the same side as the injection site. My tongue was tender and painful to move for many hours and the swelling lasted for 36 hours. There was Adrenalin in the injection but I have had that before with no problems.
After 48 hours I asked the dentist to examine me - he didn't know what had caused it but did find a small white lump at the injection site but didn't know what it was either. I also felt wiped out and exhausted. Can you throw any light on my symptoms?
Brief Answer:
Likely to be submucosal hematoma
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
I have come across couple of patients who have experienced similar complaints.
Presence of spreading swelling surrounding the site of infection is likely to be due to the anesthetic agent inadvertently entering the venous system in little quantity and causing idiosyncratic reaction. In your case it would have entered the facial vein. The good thing was , you did not develop generalized anaphylactic reaction.
Either the anaesthetic agent entered the vein at time of injection or more likely after the effect of adrenaline started weaning off leading to sudden increased absorption and occurrence of symptoms.
White swelling at the site of injection is likely to be due to submucosal blood clot at the site of injection with overlying blanching of the mucosa and making it appear white due to adrenaline action.
As you are symptomatically better there is no cause for concern.
Warm salt water gargling will be very beneficial.
Keep your anaesthetist informed if you are scheduled for any anesthesia in future.
Rest be assured there is no cause for concern.
In case you need any further assistance, will always be glad to assist you.
Take care
Best regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Consultant Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much for your reassurance. I was very interested to know the cause and consider myself fortunate.
Do you think I would be wise to avoid Adrenaline in the future or was that just coincidental?
I was concerned about the laid back attitude of my dentist and his lack of knowledge with no advice given. What do you think?
Brief Answer:
Its just co-incidental reaction
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Greetings
The reaction to adrenaline is coincidental.
Just inform the anaesthetist about such previous reaction in case you happen to undergo any anesthesia in future.
I am competent to operate and to give medical advise, but suspecting the integrity and competency of fellow medical personal will be unethical on my part, excuse me for the same.
I wish you a happy and healthy life.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year 2014.
Do write directly to me, if you need any advise anytime.
Assuring you the Best.
Take Care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
Consultant Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Doctor. I appreciate your integrity.
Kind regards, XXXXXXX XXXX.
Brief Answer:
Take care
Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms XXXXXXX XXXX
Thanks for understanding.
Do get in touch for any assistance anytime.
Have a wonderful day.
Take care
Best Regards
Deepak
Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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