The Journal of the American Dental Association
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This is a prospective study of patients referred to a tertiary care center with permanent alteration in sensation of the inferior alveolar nerves, lingual nerves or both that could have resulted only from an inferior alveolar nerve block. ⋯ Permanent nerve damage can very occasionally occur as a result of an inferior alveolar nerve block. The exact mechanism is unknown, and there is no means of prevention. Knowledge of the risks and complications of local anesthesia is essential.