P148: Facial Nerve Paralysis Secondary to Odontogenic Infection

Peripheral facial nerve paralysis is the most common form of motor cranial neuropathy. Several factors can cause Bell’s palsy such as vascular ischemia, intracranial lesions, iatrogenic damage, etc. Treatment relies on diagnosing the causing factor, varying from steroids to surgical techniques. Since there has been but few reports of facial nerve paralysis caused by dental infection, odontogenic factors may easily be neglected leading to an incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Facial nerve paralysis with a dental origin needs further studies not only to determine different causes (such as: impacted molar teeth infection, post surgical infection of extracting impacted molars, root canal treatment, etc.) but also to best manage the situation using a specific treatment protocol.