Temporary mental nerve paraesthesia secondary to orthodontic treatment - a case report and review

Key Points A rare case of mental nerve paraesthesia during orthodontic treatment is described. Mental nerve paraesthesia can present as the first sign of significant pathology elsewhere in the head and neck region The importance of thorough investigation of patients presenting with a history of facial numbness is highlighted. Guidelines for referral have been suggested where orthodontic treatment is suspected as the cause. Patients complaining of facial paraesthesia may present to the dental practitioner. The differential diagnosis includes malignant neoplastic disease and therefore warrants prompt hospital referral. Mental nerve paraesthesia during orthodontic treatment is a very rare occurrence. A case of mental paraesthesia during fixed upper and lower orthodontic treatment is presented. This report highlights the importance of thorough investigation of patients presenting with a history of facial numbness, and provides a review of the aetiology and management of this problem for the dental practitioner. Guidelines for referral have been suggested where orthodontic treatment is suspected as the cause.