Sodium Hypochlorite Dental Emergency-A Review

Root canal irrigants play an important role in the success of root canal treatment. As the major objective in root canal treatment is to disinfect the entire root canal system, it requires that the pulpal contents be eliminated as sources of infection. This goal may be accomplished using mechanical instrumentation and chemical irrigation, in conjunction with medication of the root canal between treatment sessions. However there remains a risk of extrusion of these irrigants beyond or into the surrounding tissues and cause severe complications. Sodium hypochlorite is widely used in dental practice during root canal treatment. Although generally regarded as being highly effective as an irrigant, potentially severe complications occur when it comes in contact with soft tissues. This article discusses the use, inadvertent effects of sodium hypochlorite and considers the appropriate management for a practitioner when faced with potential adverse incident with this agent.