Complications of root canal treatment due to Sodium Hypochlorite spill

Sodium hypochlorite is a bleaching agent which is a commonly used irrigant which is used when carrying out a root canal treatment. Complications can arise when a sodium hypochlorite spill or leakage occurs through the negligence of a dental practitioner.

USE OF SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE IN ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Sodium hypochlorite is used to clean the clean the canals and pulp chamber of a tooth to dissolve the bacteria and acts as an effective antimicrobial agent. The use of sodium hypochlorite necessitates caution and careful handling.  As it is a bleaching agent there can be severe consequences if it comes into direct contact with a patient.

HOW A SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE SPILL CAN OCCUR

• A dentist may apply too much pressure to the syringe and the sodium hypochlorite is extruded beyond the root canal.
• This may also occur if the dentist has miscalculated the angle of the canal and the solution is then forced out and a spill occurs.
• The dentist may inject the solution too rapidly and a spill then occurs.
• Sodium hypochlorite can also be forced out of a tooth into surrounding tissue if the dentist has perforated the root or there is a crack in the tooth which has not been noticed by the dentist.
• A dentist may also fail to adequately protect a patient by failing to use a rubber dam to prevent the sodium hypochlorite going down a patient’s throat or failing to protect the patient’s eyes and clothing in case a sodium hypochlorite spill occurs to minimise the damage to the patient.

TYPES OF PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR FROM A SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE SPILL

– Damage to eyes
– Chemical burns and tissue necrosis
– Facial nerve damage
– Upper airway obstruction
– Damage to skin
– Damage to clothing

OUR EXPERIENCE

As Dental Negligence Lawyers, we see many cases where a dentist has caused a sodium hypochlorite spill and this has resulted in a client experiencing unnecessary pain and suffering.

The Dental Negligence Team acted for a female client and succeeded in obtaining her compensation when a sodium hypochlorite spill occurred. Our client underwent root canal treatment with her dentist; during the treatment the dentist spilt the sodium hypochlorite into the tissues surrounding the work site. This caused our client to suffer excruciating pain and her face began to swell. As a result of the sodium hypochlorite spill, the woman had to stay in hospital for 24 hours and was given intravenous medication.
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If you or a member of your family have suffered complications of root canal treatment due to a sodium hypochlorite spill and have suffered damage as a result, please contact the Dental Negligence Team, who would be happy to assist with your enquiry.