Key Points
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Highlights that sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most common irrigant used in endodontics.
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Suggests that extravasation of NaOCl into tissues can be potentially serious and can lead to devastating outcomes.
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Presents clear and precise guidelines to assist in the management of patients with NaOCl injury.
Abstract
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most common irrigant used in modern endodontics. It is highly effective at dissolving organic debris and disinfecting the root canal system due to the high pH. Extravasation of NaOCl into intra-oral and extra-oral tissues can lead to devastating outcomes leading to long-term functional and aesthetic deficits. Currently no clear guidelines are available which has caused confusion among the dental and oral and maxillofacial (OMFS) surgical community how best to manage these patients. Following a literature review and considering our own experience we have formulated clear and precise guidelines to manage patients with NaOCl injury.
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Farook, S., Shah, V., Lenouvel, D. et al. Guidelines for management of sodium hypochlorite extrusion injuries. Br Dent J 217, 679–684 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2014.1099
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2014.1099
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