Inferior alveolar nerve paraestheia and cutaneous sinus on the face associated with periapical infection of lower molar teeth in a 14-year-old girl: A rare and unusual case report

BACKGROUND: Paresthesia is defined as a burning or prickling sensation or partial numbness caused by neural injury. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to present a rare and unusual case report of odontogenic infection-induced inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) paresthesia along with cutaneous draining sinus on the face of a pediatric patient and to discuss the possible pathophysiologic mechanism of nerve injury. METHODS: A 14-year-old female patient with cutaneous sinus and paresthesia associated with inferior alveolar nerve was enrolled in the study and the clinical and radiological manifestations of sinus lesion were carefully evaluated. RESULTS: The most appropriate treatment was carried out not only to resolve extraoral sinus but also to ensure progressive healing for the complete resolution of neurological disturbance. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous occurrence of infection and paresthesia strongly suggested a definitive relationship. Therefore, there seems to be a correlation between duration, origin, significance of the injury and the prognosis of paresthesia.