Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

Facial asymmetry observed post-procedure can be a significant indicator of incorrect deposition of anesthetic. When local anesthetic is administered, it is intended to block nerve transmission in a specific area, creating a temporary numbness. However, if the anesthetic is deposited incorrectly, particularly if it affects nerves that innervate the facial muscles, it may lead to unilateral muscle weakness or asymmetry. This can cause one side of the face to appear droopy or uneven, signaling that the anesthetic has affected the facial nerve or its branches rather than just the targeted area for dental treatment.

While the other symptoms mentioned can occur during dental procedures, they do not specifically point to the improper deposition of anesthetic. For example, a bitter taste can occur due to the diffusion of the anesthetic into the bloodstream or saliva, but it’s less specific to deposition errors. Increased discomfort could be a result of several factors including patient anxiety or insufficient anesthesia, rather than an outright indicator of incorrect placement. Thus, the observation of facial asymmetry stands as a clearer sign of potential complications related to the anesthetic’s placement.