What complication should dental professionals watch for when administering anesthesia?

When administering anesthesia, dental professionals need to be vigilant about various complications that can arise. One significant complication to monitor is trismus, which is the limited ability to open the mouth due to muscle spasms or jaw stiffness. This can happen if the anesthetic is injected improperly near the muscles or if there is trauma to the muscles during the procedure.

Additionally, palpitations may occur as a response to certain anesthetics, particularly those that contain epinephrine. This can lead to an increased heart rate and other cardiovascular responses, especially in patients who have underlying health conditions.

Both trismus and palpitations are vital complications to be aware of because they can affect the patient's comfort, recovery time, and overall experience during and after dental procedures. Recognizing and understanding these risks allows dental professionals to take appropriate precautions, such as using adequate injection techniques and monitoring the patient's vital signs during anesthesia administration.