Post-Apico Surgery Symptoms: What to Expect

Q: Post-Apico Surgery Symptoms: What to Expect

Dear Anonymous Miss： Hello! After apical surgery, it is normal to experience a tingling sensation. <br>The most important thing is that the tooth has become shorter, and it may feel loose. <br>If you still have abnormal sensations, it is recommended to get a dental CT scan to che

Postoperative complications of apical surgery?

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to sincerely ask about some concerns following my apicoectomy.
My lower right incisor has gone through a series of unfortunate events since April 11 of this year, including incision and drainage surgery, root canal treatment, and finally, an apicoectomy.
I never expected to undergo dental surgery in my lifetime, yet here I am.
After the doctor's assessment, it was confirmed that the apical cyst was not caused by dental caries; it may have resulted from a small crack due to accidentally biting down on something hard.
Unfortunately, during my dental cleaning on April 6, debris entered the crack and eroded the apex and the dental nerve.
I underwent the apicoectomy on May 4, and a week post-surgery, I still felt a slight foreign body sensation in my chin (which was more pronounced before the surgery).
During my follow-up, the doctor suggested that it was likely a tightness sensation due to the surgery and sutures, which is a normal occurrence.
I thought that this feeling might accompany me for the rest of my life! However, recently (on September 26), the foreign body sensation in my chin seems to have increased in intensity.

On October 1, I returned for another check-up, but the surgeon who performed my procedure was no longer at that hospital, so I consulted another doctor.
I asked him to check if the cyst had recurred, but after examining the area around my tooth, he did not see any signs of a cyst.
He pressed on my gums and tapped my teeth, and I did not feel any pain.
The doctor advised me to continue monitoring the situation and mentioned that the "clunky" sensation in my chin was likely a normal phenomenon.

Although I left the hospital with what seemed to be good news, I still feel a foreign body sensation in the area of my lower gums, specifically the alveolar bone, which has escalated to a slightly tingling feeling.
Additionally, the four lower front teeth feel somewhat numb, especially when biting down, and there is a slight wobbling sensation.
I am still quite anxious and would like to know if this feeling is indeed a normal phenomenon (perhaps I am just amplifying my perception), or if there could be other possibilities, such as the surrounding bone not being thoroughly cleaned during the apicoectomy, allowing bacteria to continue to thrive and potentially lead to a recurrence or affect other healthy teeth.

The more I think about it, the more worried I become.
I kindly ask for your clarification on this matter.
Thank you!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/04

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Anonymous Miss: Hello! After apical surgery, it is normal to experience a tingling sensation.
The most important thing is that the tooth has become shorter, and it may feel loose.
If you still have abnormal sensations, it is recommended to get a dental CT scan to check for any fractures in the tooth root.
Please communicate frequently with your doctor! Thank you! Wishing you safety! Sincerely, Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry.

Reply Date: 2018/10/04

More Info

Post-apico surgery symptoms can be concerning, especially when you have undergone multiple dental procedures in a short period. It’s understandable to feel anxious about any lingering sensations or discomfort after such surgeries. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced a series of dental interventions, including incision and drainage, root canal therapy, and finally, apicoectomy. Each of these procedures can lead to various post-operative symptoms, and it’s essential to understand what is typical and what may require further evaluation.

Firstly, it is common to experience some degree of discomfort or a sensation of pressure in the area surrounding the surgical site after an apicoectomy. This is due to the surgical manipulation of tissues, including the gums and bone, as well as the presence of sutures. The tightness or "foreign body" sensation you describe can be attributed to the healing process. The body goes through several stages of healing, and during this time, it is not unusual to feel some residual tightness or discomfort as the tissues recover.

The fact that you are experiencing a "tingling" or "numb" sensation in your gums and teeth is also not uncommon. This could be related to nerve irritation or inflammation following the surgery. The nerves in the area may have been affected during the procedure, leading to altered sensations. However, if the tingling sensation persists or worsens, it would be prudent to discuss this with your dentist or oral surgeon, as they may want to evaluate the area further.

Regarding your concern about the possibility of a recurrent cyst or infection, it is reassuring that your new dentist did not observe any signs of a cyst upon examination. However, if you continue to experience discomfort or if the sensation of pressure increases, it may warrant further imaging, such as an X-ray, to ensure that there are no underlying issues, such as residual infection or incomplete removal of the affected tissue during the apicoectomy.

It’s also important to consider that the healing process can take time, and while some patients may feel significant improvement within a few weeks, others may take longer to fully recover. The presence of a slight "wobble" in your teeth during biting could be related to the healing of the surrounding bone and soft tissue. As the area heals, the stability of the teeth may improve.

In summary, while some discomfort and unusual sensations can be part of the healing process after an apicoectomy, it is crucial to maintain open communication with your dental care provider. If your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you develop new symptoms such as swelling, increased pain, or fever, you should seek a follow-up appointment to rule out any complications. Your peace of mind is important, and addressing your concerns with your dentist will help ensure a smooth recovery.

Similar Q&A

Post-Surgery Symptoms After Fistula Surgery: What to Expect and Manage

Hello, I underwent a fistula repair surgery at a hospital near Madou on February 14th due to a fever. It has been over a month since the surgery. 1. Although the surgical wound has healed, I occasionally experience swelling and pain beneath the wound, especially at night, requi...

Dr. Xu Kaixi reply Surgery
Hello: It is normal to experience discomfort such as swelling, pain, or itching at the surgical site after fistula surgery, as well as some bleeding. These symptoms typically improve over time. The recovery process can be alleviated with the use of topical medications in conjunct...

Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms After Varicocele Surgery: What to Expect

Hello Dr. Huang: About three weeks ago, I underwent varicose vein surgery. In the past few days, I've been experiencing slight pain in the area above the groin (where I can feel the blood vessels) and occasional lower back discomfort, especially after urination. What could t...

Dr. Huang Chikai reply Urology
Hello Leo, It is difficult to determine whether these symptoms are related to the varicose vein surgery you had three weeks ago. I recommend that you return to the surgical hospital and consult with the physician who performed your surgery for an evaluation. Wishing you good he...

Post-PPH Surgery: Persistent Discomfort and Treatment Options Explained

Hello Dr. Ke, I previously had grade III internal hemorrhoids, and I often experienced a feeling of heaviness in my anus. Shortly after using the restroom, I would feel the urge to go again, accompanied by a sensation of pressure as if gas was trapped and unable to escape. I thou...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
In the previous email response, it was mentioned that these symptoms could be related to PPH (Postpartum Hemorrhage). If surgery is scheduled for late August, it is advisable to observe for a while longer, as this is not an appropriate time for any interventional procedures. Ther...

Understanding Post-Operative Symptoms After Endoscopic Disc Surgery

Hello, I would like to ask about my condition. I underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26th, where the protruding portion of the intervertebral disc at the L5 level was removed due to stenosis and compression. I was able to walk the day after the surgery, but I occasionally ...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello: You underwent endoscopic discectomy on January 26, and it has been about a week since the procedure. You can start taking the discharge medications prescribed by your original surgeon. /// Are these symptoms a result of the surgery? How long will it take to recover? Which ...