KUMJ | VOL. 19 | NO. 1 | ISSUE 73 | JAN.-MARCH, 2021
Dental Negligence: Accidental Administration of Formalin Instead of Local Anesthetic
Manohar B, Ranjitha RS, Bhuvaneshwari S, Awasthi R, Humagain M
Abstract: A solution like formalin used as a fixative has to be handled with lot of care
and needs to be stored with utmost care. Negligence on part of the dental
professional by accidentally injecting formalin instead of the local anesthetic
can lead to permanent tissue damage and also may induce a life threatening
situation. The operating dentist injected formalin accidentally instead of
the local anesthetic and the patient experienced severe pain and burning
sensation. The general practice of formalin being stored in the local anesthetic
bottles and being assisted by untrained assistant is the most common reason
for mishaps to happen. The dentist operating should be careful and aware
of the drugs and chemicals being available in the operatory and re-check
the solution being injected in the patient as to not land up in complications
because of the negligence.
Keyword : Formalin, Dental negligence, Local anesthetic
