Inferior Alveolar Nerve Paresthesia Secondary to Orthodontic Tooth Movement: Report of a Case

Abstract

Temporary or permanent paresthesia of the areas innervated by the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) can be caused by multiple conditions. These include neoplastic disease, infection, orthognathic surgery, endodontic treatment, and secondary to the removal of mandibular third molars. 1-4 Significant signs on plain films that indicate a tooth root may be in close proximity to the IAN include darkening of the tooth root, narrowing of the tooth root, interruption of the white lines, and diversion of the canal. 5 Temporary mental nerve paresthesia during fixed orthodontic treatment is rare and is usually caused by premolars being lingually inclined and then uprighted or excessive root lengths on second molars. 6-9 We present a case report of sensory disturbance occurring during the distalization of a third molar with an unknown buccal root extending into the IAN canal.