Description

Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and calcium hypochlorite have a number of uses in dental practice. They can be used to dissolve dental pulp and to disinfect the canal prior to endodontic repair. Leakage of concentrated hypochlorite solution into adjacent soft tissue results in tissue injury that is referred to as a hypochlorite dental accident.


 

Patient selection: injection of a concentrated solution of hypochlorite (sodium or calcium) in endodontic procedure

 

Clinical features of extrusion into adjacent tissues:

(1) rapid swelling

(2) variable hemorrhage and bruising

(3) pain

(4) necrosis of soft tissue

(5) soft tissue emphysema

 

Differential diagnosis:

(1) dental abscess with cellulitis

(2) hemorrhage

 

Management may include:

(1) analgesia

(2) cold and wet compresses

(3) close clinical monitoring

 


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