Sodium hypochlorite accident / irrigant extrusion
What it is
An endodontic irrigant accident where sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is extruded beyond the apex or through a perforation into periapical/soft tissues, causing a chemical injury.
Why it happens
• Needle binds/wedges in the canal → pressure forces NaOCl apically • Irrigation too close to working length or in wide apical foramina (immature/open apex, resorption, over-instrumentation, loss of apical constriction) • Perforation (strip/furcal/transportation) creates an unintended exit pathway • High-pressure irrigation (rapid plunger force) rather than slow, passive delivery
The full clinical mistake entry includes
- How to avoid it — the prevention protocol
- The clinical tip experienced clinicians use
- The documented reference behind the mistake
More clinical mistakes
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