Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is routinely used in root canal treatment as a chemical adjunct to mechanical debridement of the root canal system.¹ It is an excellent irrigant in terms of its ability to function as a lubricant during biomechanical preparation of the root canals and to dissolve pulpal tissues and the organic components of the smear layer.² It acts as an excellent antimicrobial agent by irreversibly oxidizing microbial enzymes. Sodium hypochlorite is also very effective for flushing and displacing loose debris inside the canal space, but the apical extent of its effectiveness is a function of the depth of insertion of the irrigation needles.³

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) also has cytotoxic effects and leads to tissue necrosis.⁴ These cytotoxic effects are directly proportional to the concentration of sodium hypochlorite used and occur because of its ability to oxidize and hydrolyze cell proteins.⁵ Complications which arise when NaOCl extrudes beyond the apical foramen are known as “SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE ACCIDENTS”.