Unilateral facial nerve paralysis following an infected lower third molar.

The authors report the case of a 35-year-old Arab man who presented with unilateral facial nerve palsy in the presence of an infected lower third molar. The paralysis occurred within hours of the development of a left-sided facial swelling. Surgical removal of the tooth and drainage of the abscess produced significant improvement in facial nerve function, and total resolution occurred prior to clinical follow-up 10 days later. The authors discuss the aetiology of this hemifacial paralysis and its significance as a clinical sign of third molar odontogenic infection. Copyright 2009 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.