Inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia of endodontic origin: diagnosis and follow-up using Cone-beam computed tomography

Abstract

Oral paresthesias are usually associated with pathological conditions and surgical procedures on teeth adjacent to the mandibular canal. The most affected nerve is the inferior alveolar nerve. This clinical case reported a paresthesia of endodontic origin with remission after endodontic treatment. Initially, a patient reported severe pain in tooth 45. After 2 days, sensory disturbances were observed, characterized by numbness in the lower lip and right hemimandible. Thirty days after treatment, the patient reported sudden regression of this condition, days before the evaluation. After 10 and 15 months, follow-up CBCT scans were performed and revealed areas of bone neofomation in the region of the periapical lesion, suggestive of repair of the inflammatory process. During these follow-ups, the patient reported no sensory changes or pain symptoms. The use of computed tomography was a relevant strategy in this case because it provides three-dimensional images that allow detailed evaluation of the region.