Accidental injection with sodium hypochlorite: report of a case

Abstract

Aim: A case is reported in which sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was mistaken for anaesthetic solution and infiltrated into the buccal mucosa during routine root canal treatment.

Summary: A 1.5% sodium hypochlorite solution, kept in an anaesthetic cartridge, was inadvertently injected in the buccal mucosa of a 56-year-old female during routine root canal treatment. Soft tissue necrosis, labial ptosis and paraesthesia occurred shortly after the injection. Tissues healed with scarring and lip paraesthesia persisted for 3 years.

Key learning points: * NaOCl is highly irritant when introduced into oral tissues. * NaOCl solutions should not be kept in anaesthetic cartridges. * Accidents with NaOCl should be carefully assessed and when appropriate active hospital treatment should be sought. * Early recognition of NaOCl accidents may avert potentially more serious outcomes.