Dental Blocks Caution? Are dental blocks safe or are there any bad side effects?

Question

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Dental blocks are usually very safe.
Occasionally adverse reactions can occur and may be the result of injection directly into the vessels or nerves, allergy, inadequate block, bruiising, swelling or poor understanding of the technique or anatomy.

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

Dental blocks are very safe, if performed by a physician who is familiar with the anatomy of the nerves and technique.  The paired sensory nerves, which innervate the upper lip and lateral nose are called the infraaorbital nerves.  The paired nerves, which innervate the lower lip are called the mental nerves.  There is a midline nerve, which supplies the middle part of the upper lip called the infraciliary nerve.  These nerves are routinely blocked, either through the gums or through the skin, using local anesthetic and a fine needle. 
Some patients claim to be "allergic" to Epinephrine, which is often combined in the local anesthetic.  They remember feeling jittery, nervous and having a headache.  These effects can result from the inadvertent injection of the local anesthetic into a mucosal vessel.  An experienced injector who proposes dental blocks for injectable fillers around the mouth and lips, will know how to avoid these undesired side effects and if they do occur, how to manage them.  Just select your injector well.

Dental Blocks Caution? Are dental blocks safe or are there any bad side effects?

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Dental Blocks Caution? Are dental blocks safe or are there any bad side effects?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.