Inadvertent injection of sodium hypochlorite into the maxillary sinus

A previously undocumented complication of root canal therapy is reported. A dilute solution of 5-10 mls sodium hypochlorite was inadvertently injected into the maxillary sinus during root canal therapy of a right upper second premolar (5). The patient developed acute, sudden, severe facial pain and swelling necessitating emergency admission to hospital and operative intervention under general anaesthesia. A diagnosis of acute chemical sinusitus was made, further management and discussion follow.