Paresthesia as a Result of Endodontic Sealer Extrusion: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review is to accumulate the available evidence on management approaches as well as factors resulting in the development of paresthesia due to sealer extrusion. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to March 2022, accompanied by a manual search of journals, textbooks, and grey literature. Inclusion criteria were studies on adult patients experiencing paresthesia related to sealer extrusion. The quality of included studies was appraised using a custom set of criteria. A total of 102 publications were identified, and 9 of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All of the included studies were case reports describing a total of 10 patients. The predetermined data were independently extracted and evaluated by four reviewers. Because of the low amount and quality of available evidence, conclusions on the factors resulting in paresthesia due to sealer extrusion cannot be drawn. The management approach remains empirical. The need for prospective studies is highlighted. The future case reports in endodontics ought to be reported in a uniform and methodological way. Paresthesia as a result of endodontic sealer extrusion is an alarming complication of endodontic treatment that general dentists need to be aware of. Although worrying, for both clinician and patient, it is a manageable complication and early diagnosis is important; thus, dentists need to be educated on this topic.