Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 203, 511 - 512 (2007)
Published online: 10 November 2007 | doi:10.1038/bdj.2007.995
Subject Categories: Case reports | Oral pathology | Therapeutics
Maxillary bone necrosis following the use of formaldehyde containing paste: management and case series
S. Tortorici1, F. Burruano2 & P. Difalco3
- In the oral cavity paraformaldehyde agents are used both as disinfectants and to devitalise inflamed pulps when local anaesthesia is ineffective.
- After root canal treatment with paraformaldehyde containing paste, formaldehyde is gradually released into the oral cavity.
- Formaldehyde released through dentine has a destructive effect on periodontal and bone tissues.
- Paraformaldehyde use in dental practice should be strongly discouraged.
Abstract
Paraformaldehyde is used both as a disinfectant and to devitalise inflamed pulps when local anaesthesia is ineffective. Despite the clinical benefits, paraformaldehyde is not confined to the pulp, but penetrates the dentine and is gradually released as formaldehyde. This case series describes the effects on periodontal and bone tissues of paraformaldehyde used as a devitalising or disinfectant agent.
- Professor of Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Stomatological Science, G. Messina University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Professor of Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Stomatological Science, G. Messina University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Stomatological Science, G. Messina University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Correspondence to: P. Difalco3 e-mail: paolodifalco@tin.it
