Anesthesia · single question
Which complication has the LEAST chance of occurring after an inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Infection
- A. Incorrect — ecchymosis IS a common complication. Surface bruising from hematoma spreading is frequently observed.
- B. Correct. INFECTION following an IAN block is the LEAST COMMON complication. Using sterile single-use needles and standard aseptic technique makes infection extremely rare. The other complications (hematoma, ecchymosis, trismus, paresthesia) occur more frequently than true injection site infection.
- C. Incorrect — trismus IS a common complication. Hematoma formation in the medial pterygoid muscle can cause muscle inflammation and spasm (trismus).
- D. Incorrect — hematoma IS a common complication. Needle penetration into the pterygoid plexus or inferior alveolar vessels causes hematoma.