sodium-hypochlorite and Facial-Injuries

A 58-year-old woman was referred by her dentist to a maxillofacial surgeon because of a rapidly increasing facial swelling. The swelling developed after sodium hypochlorite irrigation during the endodontic treatment of tooth 25. A mechanical heart valve, a heart rhythm disorder, and antithrombotic therapy were complicating medical conditions. Treatment consisted of 12 mg dexamethason administered once intravenously, augmentin administered thrice daily intravenously, and oral analgetics. Damage following sodium hypochlorite irrigation during endodontic treatment is a rare disorder which is associated with a severe reaction in the surrounding tissue. Damage can be permanent.

Topics: Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Dexamethasone; Facial Injuries; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Mouth Mucosa; Necrosis; Root Canal Irrigants; Sodium Hypochlorite; Treatment Outcome

Endodontic therapy is a routinely practised clinical procedure with few reported complications. Sodium hypochlorite is often used as an irrigant during this procedure, but severe complications may occur if this solution extravasates beyond the root apex. We present a case demonstrating some of the severe sequelae that can occur following the misuse of sodium hypochlorite during endodontic treatment of an upper lateral incisor, which also resulted in the previously unreported complication of isolated facial nerve weakness.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Burns, Chemical; Dexamethasone; Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials; Facial Injuries; Facial Nerve Injuries; Female; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Mouth Mucosa; Necrosis; Root Canal Irrigants; Sodium Hypochlorite

A case of accidental skin injury caused by leakage of sodium hypochlorite solution from the rubber dam during root canal preparation is reported. After placement of a rubber dam and initiation of root canal treatment, the patient complained of a burning sensation with sodium hypochlorite irrigation. The complaints were ignored by the practitioner, and a skin rash developed on and around the patient's chin, followed by scab formation. The patient required medical treatment with topical Hamamelis virginiana extract for 2 weeks, with full recovery.

Topics: Burns, Chemical; Chin; Facial Injuries; Female; Hamamelis; Humans; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Root Canal Irrigants; Rubber Dams; Sodium Hypochlorite