Insight on the Use and Abuse of Sodium Hypochlorite in Endodontics: A Review

The present article aims to provide the dental practitioner a review about the properties of sodium hypochlorite, its mechanism of action, antibacterial efficiency, its toxicity, complications along with the sequence of events, prevention and also considers the appropriate management while facing a potentially adverse incident with the agent. The main objective of root canal treatment is to disinfect the root canal system which requires the elimination of the sources of infection and pulpal contents utilizing mechanical instrumentation, chemical irrigants with simultaneous use of intracanal medicaments. However, extrusion of these irrigants beyond and into the surrounding tissues always remains a risk factor which can pose some drastic complications. The present article discusses the use of sodium hypochlorite with its inadvertent effects. Avoiding complications of sodium hypochlorite with the use of specialized needles, avoiding excessive pressure, not wedging the needle tip in the canal. Vitality for the patient's safety remains on early recognition and management of advertent effects of sodium hypochlorite.