Seeking Insights on Post-Apicoectomy Swelling
Hello everyone, I'm hoping to gain some insights or hear from those who might have gone through a similar situation. In October 2025, I underwent an apicoectomy for my central and lateral incisors located in the front upper region of my mouth, following a recurring bout of infection. This was my second procedure in that specific location, and a portion of bone was removed during the operation. Recently, for the past two weeks, I've observed a minor swelling in the upper vestibule area, nestled between my upper lip and gum, precisely at the site where the root tip was removed. The swelling has remained relatively consistent in size. Interestingly, I am not experiencing any pain, pulsation, or discharge, nor do I have an unpleasant taste or fever. Moreover, my teeth have not shown sensitivity to pressure from biting or tapping. The swelling has a firm yet elastic texture and returns immediately when pressure is applied. Since the procedure, I have also noticed that the gum in that particular region remains numb. Could it be possible that this is attributed to scar tissue formation or mild inflammation following surgery rather than an actual infection? I would greatly appreciate hearing if anyone else has faced similar developments after an apicoectomy.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 4:50:29 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about swelling following an apicoectomy, especially given your previous procedure and ongoing recovery. Based on your description, it sounds like the swelling you're experiencing could be due to factors like mild inflammation or scar tissue formation rather than an active infection, particularly since you aren’t experiencing pain, discharge, or other signs of infection.
Explanation:
After dental surgeries like an apicoectomy, it's common for swelling to occur as part of the healing process. The area where the bone was removed may take time to heal, and some inflammation can be a normal part of this. Scar tissue can also form as the body heals, which might explain the firmness you feel. The numbness of the gums is not unusual and can be a temporary effect of the surgery, potentially related to nerve irritation or damage during the operation.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor the Swelling: Keep an eye on the size and characteristics of the swelling over the next week. Note any changes, either positive or negative.
-
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue to practice good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing and using a mild saltwater rinse, to help keep the area clean and free from irritants.
-
Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of hot, spicy, or hard foods that could irritate the area. Do not poke or manipulate the swollen area, as it may worsen the irritation.
-
Cold Compress: If the swelling concerns you or if you notice any discomfort, you might consider using a cold compress on the outside of your mouth for short periods to help reduce any swelling.
-
Document Symptoms: Keep a record of any new symptoms or changes, such as pain or changes in sensation, which can be helpful when discussing your recovery with a healthcare professional later.
If the swelling persists for more than a week without improvement or if you start experiencing new symptoms, such as pain or signs of infection, it would be advisable to reach out for further evaluation. Your ongoing well-being is the priority, so listening to your body and seeking help when needed is key.
Related Questions
Understanding Prolonged Headaches: When to Seek Help
I’m a 24-year-old female with no significant health issues aside from being on birth control. For almost two weeks now, I’ve been struggling with persistent headaches that last all day and night. Over-the-counter pain medications have proven ineffective, and I find that eating and staying hydrated do little to alleviate my discomfort. Surprisingly, sleep seems to exacerbate my condition, as I often awaken to find the headache even more intense than before. I haven’t experienced any fever, sensitivity to light, nausea, or blurry vision. However, I do have mild stiffness in my neck, a runny nose, and occasionally, I feel a bit dizzy. These other symptoms are quite minimal, though. The pain intensifies with movement or deeper breaths, and I notice it worsens significantly when I transition from lying down to standing. Activities that involve bending my neck forward are particularly distressing. Initially, the headache was localized at the back of my head, but now the discomfort has shifted toward the center. I haven't been ill recently, so I’m uncertain about the cause. I've never suffered from migraines before, making it harder to gauge what I’m dealing with.
Experiencing Joint Discomfort and Stiffness in My Fingers
At 15 years old and identifying as nonbinary, I’m beginning to notice some concerning issues with my joints. While being short and on the heavier side, I wonder if my body type might play a role in the discomfort I’ve been experiencing. For a while now, I’ve dealt with pain primarily in my back, knees, and wrists. Additionally, other areas such as my ankles, hips, and occasionally my elbows also feel tender and sore. Recently, I have also noticed stiffness in my fingers. Although cracking my knuckles sometimes alleviates the tightness, it doesn’t completely resolve the issue. I can’t help but question if these problems stem from my body type. My posture is poor, and my larger chest might contribute to the strain on my back, which adds to my discomfort.
Post-Eardrum Rupture: Managing Discharge and Recovery Concerns
A 39-year-old male, standing at 5'9" and weighing 140 lbs, shares his experience following an incident that resulted in a punctured eardrum. About ten days ago, while attempting to dislodge a hair that had become lodged in his ear, he inadvertently perforated his right eardrum using a USB otoscope. This resulted in mild discomfort, a temporary loss of hearing, and some blood. The following day, he sought medical attention at an urgent care facility, where healthcare professionals diagnosed him with a ruptured eardrum, noting the presence of some blood but otherwise confirming that everything appeared normal. He was advised to allow time for recovery and to keep the ear dry, particularly during showers. Initially, he was able to sleep on his right side without any issues for a week. However, on Friday night, he began to experience a sensation of pressure in that ear, prompting him to switch to sleeping on his left side for the remainder of the night. During this time, he also noticed a slight liquid accumulation in his ear, which he absorbed with a tissue. The rest of Saturday presented no complications, but that night, he awoke several times to find his ear moist. After finally achieving a few uninterrupted hours of rest, he noticed a significant buildup of liquid upon waking. He soaked up the fluid with a tissue and discovered that it had leaked onto his chin, presenting as a clearish-yellow substance. On the following day, he experienced a similar situation: no issues or dryness during the day, but he faced an excessive discharge at night that required attention. This time, the fluid exhibited a more pronounced yellow to orange tint. The individual expresses concern over the discharge appearing a week post-rupture. He acknowledges that while some degree of discharge can be expected, it typically arises from infections leading to eardrum ruptures. In his case, the physician had not prescribed antibiotics at the initial visit as the puncture was not due to an infection. He wonders if it would be wise to follow up for a re-evaluation given the lack of pain, but the ongoing hearing challenge and the nightly leakage have become sources of frustration.
28F: Sudden Micro-Tearing of Old Stretch Marks During Exercise
I’m a 28-year-old woman weighing 190 pounds, and I take Adderall to manage my ADHD. My medical history includes two c-section deliveries, a gallbladder removal, and tonsillectomy. I also experience some back issues that are suspected to be degenerative in nature. I have two kids, with the youngest being four years old now. Recently, I’ve noticed that my long-standing stretch marks, which I thought were stable, have started to appear as if they are tearing when I engage in stretching exercises or yoga. While I’ve been physically active since my last child was born—practicing yoga among other forms of exercise—I haven’t encountered this problem before, and it’s persisted for the past two months. This isn't limited to just one area; the micro-tearing is noticeable on stretch marks located on my back, stomach, and sides. I've shared an image in the comments that illustrates the condition. While the tears are not extensive and only result in minimal bleeding, they are quite small in size. Is it typical for older scars to exhibit this behavior? I’m having difficulty finding information related to this issue and would appreciate any insight.
Considering HGH at 18: What You Should Know
I'm interested in starting HGH, but I'm somewhat in the dark about the whole process. I would appreciate a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to approach this safely. Currently, my stats are 5'9" at 145 pounds, possibly around 15% body fat or slightly less. I work out consistently, hitting the gym six to seven times a week, maintain a clean diet, and don't consume alcohol or smoke. I suspect my growth plates are still open, and they might close in a year or two; my goal is to see if I can increase my height. While I'm hoping to grow taller, I certainly wouldn't oppose experiencing some muscle gains during this process. I have a few queries about HGH: What side effects should I be aware of? Is it a concern to start treatment at such a young age? What would be a suitable duration and dosage for the cycle? Are there any necessary assessments I need to perform beforehand? I'd greatly appreciate any additional tips or insights you could share.