Dysaesthesia in the mental nerve distribution triggered by a foreign body: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Foreign bodies' entrapments in the mandibular and submandibular regions are quite common. Case presentation: We report an unusual case of foreign body (amalgam filling) entrapment over the mental foramen causing dysaesthesia in the distribution of the mental nerve. An interesting sign was blue discoloration of the overlaying oral mucosa which was interpreted as amalgam tattooing. Conclusion: Surgical removal of the foreign object eliminated the reported symptoms. © 2009 Kafas et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.