Cerebellopontine angle mass mimicking lingual nerve injury after dental implant placement: a case report. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Momota, Y; Kani, K; Takano, H; Azuma, M
• Is Part Of: Australian dental journal. Volume 60:Number 3(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 412
• Page End: 415
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Dentistry -- Periodicals; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Dentisterie -- Australie -- Périodiques; Tandheelkunde; 617.6
• DOI: 10.1111/adj.12224
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-0421

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="adj12224-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>This is a rare case report of a cerebellopontine angle (CPA) mass mimicking lingual nerve injury after a dental implant placement. Lingual nerve injury is a common complication following dental implant placement. CPA masses are likely to cause symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia, and thus can mimic and be easily confused with oral diseases. We experienced a case of CPA mass mimicking lingual nerve injury after dental implant placement. The patient was a 57‐year‐old Japanese female who complained of glossalgia. She underwent dental implant placement in the mandible before visiting our clinic. Panoramic x‐ray radiography revealed no abnormalities; the salivary flow rate by gum test was 7.0 ml/10 min. She was diagnosed with lingual nerve injury and secondary burning mouth syndrome. Vitamin B12 and oral moisturizer did not provide relief; furthermore, numbness in the lower lip emerged. A Semmes Weinstein test demonstrated elevation of her sensitivity threshold. Finally, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 20‐mm diameter mass in the CPA. The patient is now being followed under conservative management. Our experience underscores the importance of including CPA mass in the differential diagnosis of dental diseases.</p> </abstract>