Supporting Your Practice

How Do You Recognize and Manage a Sodium Hypochlorite Accident?

CDA Oasis May 4, 2021

Dr. Jackie Lopez-Gross
Endodontist, London ON

A sodium hypochlorite accident during root canal treatment may be a rare occurrence, but statistics show that it will happen to many clinicians at least once in their careers. In this edition of CDA Oasis Live, Dr. John O’Keefe invites Dr. Jackie Lopez-Gross, an endodontist from London ON, to discuss the recognition and management of a sodium hypochlorite accident.

“Although it is a rare event, it will happen to many clinicians at least once in their lifetime. It is important to be ready for it, which is why recognition is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.”

Reflecting on her own professional experience, Dr. Lopez-Gross walks through the clinical, legal and emotional management of this type of event using a case study from her own practice.

Here are the key takeaways…

RECOGNITION

Sudden Pain
Burning Sensation
Profuse bleeding from the canal
Swelling and ecchymosis (can be immediate or hours days after the accident)

CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

Irrigate with saline solution/anesthetic solution
Local anesthesia to manage pain
Cold compresses for first 24 hours and then change to warm compresses
Prescribe analgesics and antibiotics
Consider prescribing a steroid
Monitor patient closely
Advise patient to go to hospital if symptoms get worse

LEGAL MANAGEMENT

Proper record keeping
Contact PLP (your indemnifier) and report the event
Contact the referring doctor if applicable

EMOTIONAL MANAGEMENT

Be empathetic with the patient
Be kind to yourself
Learn from your mistakes
Share your experience with colleagues

We hope you find the conversation useful. We welcome your thoughts, questions and/or suggestions about this post and other topics. Leave a comment in the box below or send us your feedback by email.

Until next time!
CDA Oasis Team