After the infraorbital injection, the cheek turns white. What happened?

After the infraorbital injection, the cheek turns white. What happened?

• A. Blanching or vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in that area
• B. Hematoma formation
• C. Infection with swelling
• D. Allergic reaction to the anesthetic

Answer: (A)

The whitening of the cheek is due to vasoconstriction in the area caused by the vasoconstrictor in the local anesthetic. When agents like epinephrine are used with the anesthetic, small blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow and making the skin appear pale. This blanching helps limit bleeding and keeps the anesthetic concentrated in the target area, and it’s temporary—the color returns as the vasoconstrictive effect wears off. Hematoma would show as swelling and a bruise rather than whitening. Infection would bring redness, warmth, and swelling, not blanching. An allergic reaction could cause itching, hives, or swelling, also not just a pale appearance.

The whitening of the cheek is due to vasoconstriction in the area caused by the vasoconstrictor in the local anesthetic. When agents like epinephrine are used with the anesthetic, small blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow and making the skin appear pale. This blanching helps limit bleeding and keeps the anesthetic concentrated in the target area, and it’s temporary—the color returns as the vasoconstrictive effect wears off.

Hematoma would show as swelling and a bruise rather than whitening. Infection would bring redness, warmth, and swelling, not blanching. An allergic reaction could cause itching, hives, or swelling, also not just a pale appearance.