title: Before you reach for the bleach...
abstract: Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) is advocated as an irrigant for use in endodontic therapy for its bacteriocidal and tissue dissolving properties. Extrusion of hypochlorite into the surrounding soft and hard tissues, however, can lead to severe complications, as illustrated in our four case reports. This article considers the risk benefit ratio of the different materials available and advises dental practitioners to ensure patients are aware of the potential risks of the materials used when seeking informed consent. It also aims to provide some guidance on prevention, identification and management of incidents.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery , John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU. heenac_786@hotmail.com
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chaudhry
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Wildan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Popat
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Anand
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dhariwal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000150:complications*; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000601:surgery; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000601:surgery; D012388:Root Canal Irrigants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000009:adverse effects*; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries
chemical_list: D012388:Root Canal Irrigants; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite