Permanent mimic musculature and nerve damage caused by sodium hypochlorite: a case report

A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by John R. Radford.

Abstract

Extreme caution when using sodium hypochlorite to irrigate root canals when there is a combination of an 'open apex' and apical radiolucency.

Main

Pelka M, Peltschelt A. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2008; 106: e80–e83

This case history reinforces the catastrophic effects caused by the deposition of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) into the periradicular tissues. A patient attended for recementation of a post-retained crown restoring an upper left lateral incisor tooth. This tooth had previously received periradicular surgery. In preparation for recementation, the dentist irrigated the dowel space with 3% NaOCl and 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX). The patient experienced sudden pain and left-sided sub-orbital swelling. This paper shows a distressing photograph of the patient's face 3 years after the incident. It demonstrates weakness of some mimic musculature and, superimposed on the face, is a circa 5 × 2 cm oval of hypoesthesia. The patient is seeking legal redress.