Introduction
If the area of the tip of the tooth root is inflamed, the tip of the root must often be amputated. This surgical procedure is called apicoectomy, which allows the remaining part of the tooth to be preserved. After a certain healing phase, in most cases the inflammation is overcome and the pain disappears.
But what if pain and swelling return to the site and the inflammation comes back? Since apicoectomy is a surgical procedure, like any other operation, it involves various risks. These risks include a re-development of the inflammation, for example due to not completely removed inflammation sites, as well as the typical side effects of an inflammation.
These include redness, swelling, pain and wound infections. Sometimes pus is formed, which encapsulates itself in the tissue to protect the rest of the organism from the spreading inflammation. This process is usually very painful and is called abscess. In this case an antibiotic usually has to be taken.
The procedure: Root tip resection
After local anesthesia, the gums are cut open. The bone above the root is removed, so that the apex of the root can be seen. Possible lateral ramifications of the root tip must also be visible.
The tip is severed and inflamed tissue is removed. In the following step, a filling is placed at the previous entry point and, if this has not been done before, a root filling is made. After everything has been rinsed and cleaned up, the open site is closed and sutured.
Symptoms
A renewed inflammation becomes noticeable by a pain that continues throughout the healing phase. This can be limited to the area or radiate. A feeling of pressure is also possible.
If bacteria should again cause the inflammation, an accumulation of pus can also occur. Problems with eating, as this puts pressure on the tooth and it comes into contact with food, is also a sign of inflammation. The direct occurrence of pain and post-operative swelling after apicoectomy is part of the normal healing process.
The pain becomes stronger during the night after the procedure, remains constant for the next 2-3 days, then it becomes weaker. Ibuprofen can be used as an analgesic. No drugs containing acetylsalecylic acid (aspirin) should be used, as they inhibit blood clotting and thus it does not stop bleeding.
Cooling the wound from the outside also helps to relieve the pain. However, ice should always be wrapped in a cloth and not held directly against the cheek. The mouth opening can be restricted and smoking should be avoided.
After one week the stitches are removed and the healing of the bone should be completed after a few months. Cooling the wound from the outside also helps to alleviate pain. However, ice should always be wrapped in a cloth and not held directly against the cheek. The mouth opening can be restricted and smoking should be avoided at all costs. After one week the stitches are removed and the healing of the bone should be completed after a few months.
All articles in this series:
