Gingival and bone necrosis caused by accidental sodium hypochlorite injection instead of anaesthetic solution.
OBJECTIVE
To report clinical complications (pain, necrotic gingival tissue and bone sequestration) resulting from accidental injection of sodium hypochlorite.


CONCLUSIONS
Root canal treatment is a routine clinical procedure with few reported complications. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is commonly used as an irrigant during the procedure because of its tissue-dissolving, antibacterial and lubricating properties. This paper presents a case in which accidental injection of sodium hypochlorite into the lingual gingiva of a female patient caused gingival and bone necrosis. Surgical intervention was required.


CONCLUSIONS
*Sodium hypochlorite is dangerous if injected into the tissues. *The presentation of sodium hypochlorite in glass, anaesthetic type cartridges is potentially dangerous, and should be condemned. *All healthcare workers should check carefully the contents of any syringe before injecting into patients.
Pontes
F
F
Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Pontes
H
H
Adachi
P
P
Rodini
C
C
Almeida
D
D
Pinto
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008508:Medication Errors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite