Irreversible local sequelae of inadvertent extrusion of calcium hydroxide intra-canal medication:: a case report

Calcium hydroxide is a highly alkaline bacteriocidal intra-canal medicament. We present the case of a patient who developed anaesthesia of upper lip and cheek on the right side of her face following the placement of intra-canal calcium hydroxide medicament into tooth 16 and the inadvertent extrusion of this paste. A route, along which the paste tracked, is proposed to account for the neural changes. The clinical presentation, radiographic investigations, treatment is outlined and discussed. The mechanism of toxicity of the paste is reviewed.