Which accompanying symptoms are possible?
In addition to the swelling of the tissue, the typical signs of an inflammatory reaction may also crystallize. The wound becomes red (=Rubor) and warms up (=Calor). The affected person feels a strong improvement and alleviation of the symptoms with cold drinks and food.
Furthermore, the swelling (=tumor) is sensitive to pressure and hurts (=tremor) when touched. In addition, there is a loss of function, which corresponds to the condition that the inflammation inhibits the actual function of the tissue. This can be expressed by the fact that the opening of the mouth is restricted or, when it is opened, a lockjaw occurs and the mouth can hardly be closed.
Furthermore, the swelling can show tendencies to spread. The swelling can spread to the throat, causing difficulty in swallowing and pain when eating food. If the spread is not stopped, respiratory problems may occur.
The patient cannot breathe and cannot breathe freely, so the condition becomes life-threatening. The swelling can also spread to other areas, causing swelling and pain in the eye, palate or maxillary sinuses. The inflammation always seeks the path of least resistance.
After a root tip resection, swelling with accompanying pain is a common symptom. The traumatized wound edges and the inflammation below the root apex can hurt and spread after the procedure. The swelling is hypersensitive to slight pressure and can cause pain when pressure is applied.The inflammation can cause the affected area to blush and result in burning sensations. Cold drinks and food such as ice can relieve and minimize the pain. However, with the process of wound closure, all pain disappears and the gums settle down, provided that no complications, such as infection, occur.
Treatment after swelling during apicoectomy
After a root tip resection, a tooth can be healed from the inflammatory reaction, so that it is once again considered a full member of the dental arch. After the procedure, the tooth is checked at regular intervals to monitor the healing process. After the wound is closed and the gums have healed, the bone under the root tip also regenerates.
The shortened root tip can be completely surrounded by bone again within 6 months and grow firmly. In order to strengthen the tooth, it can be crowned after this time to protect it from breaking off. Furthermore, if the tooth remains loose, it can be splinted to the neighboring teeth so that it develops strength again.
If the healing process does not develop optimally and the swelling remains, the tooth can be resected. In this case, the gums are reopened after about 2 months to remove the inflammation below the root tip. Even after the repeated attempt, the prognosis of the tooth can be quite positive.
If the tooth is not free of complaints after the procedures, in the last instance only the way of extraction remains and the tooth must be removed. The healing can be prolonged and persistent, so that it becomes discouraging for the patient. Nevertheless, every effort should be made to preserve the tooth, as the removal represents a great loss and should only be seen as a last resort.
