Causes of lip paresthesia
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Common Causes of Lip Paresthesia
Lip paresthesia, or numbness and tingling of the lips, is most often caused by injury or irritation to the nerves supplying the lips, particularly the inferior alveolar and mental nerves. The most frequent cause is iatrogenic, meaning it results from medical or dental procedures such as local anesthesia, wisdom tooth extraction, orthognathic surgery, root canal therapy, dental implantation, and other oral surgeries 158. Even orthodontic treatment, though rare, can lead to temporary paresthesia if tooth roots are close to the mandibular canal .
Dental and Endodontic Pathologies
Dental infections and procedures are significant contributors to lip paresthesia. Periapical lesions, apical periodontitis, and combined periodontal-endodontic pathosis can cause nerve compression or inflammation, leading to numbness 2710. Overfilling or extrusion of endodontic materials like calcium hydroxide into the mandibular canal during root canal treatment can also directly injure the nerve and cause paresthesia 47. Carious lesions in mandibular premolars have been reported to cause lower lip numbness due to their proximity to the nerve .
Tumors and Expanding Lesions
Both benign and malignant lesions can cause lip paresthesia. Benign conditions such as fibrous dysplasia may compress the nerve, while malignant tumors like nasopharyngeal carcinoma can invade nerve tissue, resulting in numbness 136. In some cases, lip paresthesia may be the first sign of a tumor, highlighting the importance of thorough evaluation when unexplained numbness occurs 36.
Radiotherapy and Other Non-Surgical Causes
Radiation therapy to the head and neck, especially for nasopharyngeal cancer, can cause delayed nerve damage and result in lip paresthesia as a long-term complication . Additionally, trauma from dental procedures or accidental injury can lead to nerve damage and subsequent numbness .
Conclusion
Lip paresthesia is most commonly caused by dental procedures, infections, and trauma to the nerves supplying the lips. Other causes include expanding benign or malignant lesions, radiotherapy, and rare complications from orthodontic treatment. Prompt diagnosis and management are essential, as some causes, such as tumors or infections, require urgent attention, while others may resolve with appropriate dental or medical care 12345678+2 MORE.
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