Anaphylactic Shock during Endodontic Treatment due to Allergy to Formaldehyde in a Root Canal Sealant

Abstract

A 41-yr-old patient experienced an anaphylactic shock reaction caused by formaldehyde in a root canal sealant during endodontic treatment. The clinical events, positive skin tests, and a high level of immunoglobin E to formalin RAST (class 4) suggest the involvement of immunoglobin E-dependent mechanisms toward formaldehyde. This very infrequent observation in endodontic therapy focuses attention on the different pathological manifestations related to formalin, their mechanisms, and the prevention possibilities in dentistry.

Brain injury due to anaphylactic shock as a result of formocresol used during root canal treatment

“…), and a few cases of immediate‐type allergic reaction (type‐I) to formaldehyde have been reported (Haïkel et al . , Kunisada et al . ).…”

“…Although hypersensitivity reactions such as necrosis, asthma, rhinitis, nausea, dyspnea, urticaria, pruritus, and even anaphylactic shock are known side‐effects of formocresol/formaldehyde (Haïkel et al . , Kunisada et al . , Braun et al .…”

“…Formocresol and related agents have been traditionally used as disinfectants for root canal treatment, pulpotomy and root canal sealants (Spängberg , Haïkel et al . , Kunisada et al . , Braun et al .…”

“…Formaldehyde (paraformaldehyde and trioxymethylene), a primary component of formocresol, is recognized as an allergen, which can provoke anaphylactic reactions (Haïkel et al . , Kunisada et al . , Braun et al .…”

Allergic reaction to the tetracycline component of Ledermix paste: a case report

“…), anaphylactic shock due to formaldehyde and formocresol (Haïkel et al . , Ding et al . ) and the use of AH Plus (Stutz et al .…”