Case 16 - A numb lip

In this episode, we explore "Case 16: A numb lip" to optimize your diagnostic readiness for the ADC OSCE exam. Drawing directly from the authoritative source, Odell's Clinical Problem Solving in Dentistry, we dissect the critical clinical presentation of a 68-year-old man experiencing sudden numbness of the lower right lip, accompanied by a long-standing jaw ache and a recently extracted, non-healing socket. We guide you through the anatomy of the inferior alveolar and mental nerves, demonstrating how to clinically localize neurological deficits. Listeners will learn how to systematically navigate the differential diagnosis for labial paraesthesia, differentiating between common local causes (like dental infection or iatrogenic trauma) and severe red-flag conditions, such as chronic osteomyelitis or malignancy (including metastatic adenocarcinoma or primary oral squamous cell carcinoma). We cover the necessary clinical examination steps, including cranial nerve testing and assessing the skin below the chin (nerve to mylohyoid), alongside crucial investigations like panoramic radiography (OPG), CBCT, and the absolute necessity of urgent biopsy for non-healing, destructive radiolucent lesions. This episode will strengthen your clinical reasoning for recognizing and urgently referring suspected orofacial malignancies. For more dental exam preparation tips and clinical deep-dives, subscribe to our Spotify and YouTube channels and share this episode. #OralPathology #NumbLip #OralCancer #OdellsDentistry #DentalStudents #AustralianDentalCouncil