Pain, swelling, and surgical site infection

Pain and swelling are common side effects of endodontic surgery, and their intensity depends on the degree of the surgical damage to the tissue. The pain and swelling are associated with inflammatory responses that are part of the typical wound healing process. Infection of the surgical site may complicate the postoperative sequel, aggravate the symptoms, and may require further pharmacologic and surgical interventions. Several possible factors may affect the risk and intensity of postsurgical side effects, including patient-related factors and the surgical technique, and this chapter will review methods to prevent and manage postoperative side effects.