What are the risks of Apicoectomy?

Apicoectomy a tooth conservative surgical procedure that helps treat pulp gangrene and its apical complications. Until recently, such cases were treated by tooth extraction. In the treatment, the root tip is removed from the affected bone. This is preceded or not by endodontic treatment and the perfect obturation of the root canals.

The Risks of Apicoectomy

Like all medical procedures, apicoectomy too carries a few risks. The risks of apicoectomy are as follows.

• The primary risk is that surgery may fail and the tooth may need to be extracted.
• If the procedure is done on back of your upper jaw, the infection can extend to the sinuses. You may be prescribed antibiotics and decongestants.
• Surgery on the roots of the back teeth in the lower jaw may damage the major nerves.

However, before the procedure your endodontist take X-rays to determine how close the roots are to the nerves, and so the chances of damage are extremely small.

Other complications that are associated with the procedure are as follows.

• Prosthetic teeth cannot be used
• Compromised teeth implantation
• Vertical root fractures
• Periapical lesions exceeding the apical third of the tooth
• Patients with contraindications to surgery

The precautions you need after apicoectomy procedure are as follows.

• Do not rinse your mouth for at least 12 hours, not to mobilize the clot.
• Don’t eat foods that are too hot or too cold (from the fridge) for a couple of days.
• Avoid foods which require intense mastication for 24 hours.
• Keep your head lifted on the pillow while sleeping. This will reduce bleeding and swelling.
• Abstain from smoking or drinking alcohol until the wound is healed.
• Apply ice packs for the first 12 to 24 hours on the region.
• Rinse 2 times a day (morning and evening) with recommended mouthwash.

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