Acidentes e complicações com hipoclorito de sódio : revisão de literatura

Abstract

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a substance used for the disinfection of root canals during the chemical-mechanical preparation of endodontic treatment. It has been a solution used by dental surgeons since the 1960s. It is one of the most used irrigating substances due to its antimicrobial characteristics and its dissolution capacity of tissues. Despite its use in large scale and in different concentrations it is a very toxic solution and when poorly handled can cause certain accidents or generate complications during the dental procedure. The objective of this work was to address the different cases of accidents and complications using sodium hypochlorite, the cause of the accident, the type, and its consequences for the patient and the treatment sequence. The PubMed, Medline and Bireme databases were consulted, inserting articles published in English and Portuguese language, between 1985 and 2017. Among the accidents found in the literature are irritations in the oral mucosa, burns due to exposure to hypochlorite, paresthesia due to accidental injection of sodium hypochlorite into the soft tissues, ulcerations, as well as destruction of the fibroblasts and the endothelial tissue. It was concluded that the accidents with NaOCl should not be overlooked, since in spite of their low incidence, they can cause serious damages and the concentration of the solution may interfere with the severity and complications after the accident. The best course of action is to use antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, analgesics and cold and warm compresses, always with follow-up until complete remission of symptoms.