Apicoectomy fears

[Wintersan]

Hello hello,

In two days I'm scheduled to do an apicoectomy on my upper right first molar (I believe it's tooth #3) and I am terrified after googling about the surgery and freaking out that I'll have a hard recovery time and end up having more continuous pain.

Short backstory of this tooth saga:

Had severe sensitivity to cold and hot on that tooth so new dentist suggested root canal. I started grinding my teeth in 2021 but only had a mouthguard made after switching to this better new dentist but original dentist was filing (shaving) down on that tooth to adjust my bite after grinding, so sensitivity kept getting worse.

In September 2025 I had root canal with new dentist and everything was looking good but after 2 weeks I still had slight pain when I touched that tooth. Dentist believed it was still healing. But after 2 months it just never got better so he did a root canal retreatment in December but again same type of pain remained. Only when I touch the tooth.

CT scan, Xray all showed no infection so he referred me to Endodontist to go in with microscope to check for fracture and to do retreatment and go deeper to check for missing canals or roots (sorry still not good with dental terms)

In February 2026 Endodontist found no fracture and finished root canal retreatment and was confident it would heal and my problem would end. But I still felt the same exact pain when I touch the tooth.

3D xray scans and everything looks normal no infection so Endodontist suggested apicoectomy.

I've never heard of this surgery and looked it up (big mistake) Endodontist said there's a good chance it could all work out but since I've had this pain since October he said it's hard to determine how my body will heal. He's not sure if my recovery would take time and if the problem would be solved.

I know he's preparing me for all possibilities, but I am so scared.

I read it's a minor surgery but googling it just leads to horror stories.

1) How bad is the recovery?
2) After anesthesia wears off, would over the counter pain killers really be enough to ease the pain?
3) Any tips to prepare for surgery and recovery?
4) Any success stories?

I haven't eaten on my right side since September so I miss my old life of just eating comfortably and being pain free.

I can't touch that tooth because I'd feel pain of about 4/10, but if I don't touch it I feel nothing. So I was still able to go to work even though this whole tooth saga has made me depressed.

I'm scared after apico I will then have pain even when I'm not touching the tooth.

I know I might be swollen and feel sore or pressure but I have a full-time job and can take a few days off. But I fear the pain will prevent me from acting normal.

I can't stop thinking of the what ifs because my case isn't what I read online of those getting apico due to fracture, infection or seeing something on xray. Plus Endo and dentist both say they don't have other patients who had a case like mine

So I'm desperate for any input and something to hold onto.

Apico is set for 3/26 and stitches will be removed on 3/30 so I hope after that it won't make my life worse.

Please help.

 

[Gordon]

1) How bad is the recovery?

Not any worse than an extraction really. Take it easy for the first 12hrs or so afterwards, get a good pain relief plan going and it'll be fine.
If they have to remove a lot of bone then there may be some swelling, keeping your mouth open for an extended time can cause some joint stiffness.
Ice packs are ideal for managing this. Use some frozen peas/corn wrapped in a dish cloth.

2) After anesthesia wears off, would over the counter pain killers really be enough to ease the pain?

Yes. Use an alternating regime between 2 painkillers ideally aspirin and ibuprofen. If your gut can't handle aspirin then switch to acetominophen. Using 2 drugs means you can take them every 3hrs rather than every 6 which works better. Take the first dose while you're still numb.

3) Any tips to prepare for surgery and recovery?

Just don't do anything massively physically demanding for the first 12 hrs or so afterwards. Avoid going to the gym, running marathons etc After that it's fine.