Recurrent bump above incisors years after apicoectomy – seeking advice
Hi everyone,
I’d really appreciate some advice or insights from dental professionals or anyone who’s gone through something similar. I need to mention first that I don't drink, smoke or have any health issues.
4 years ago, I had an apicoectomy on my upper left central and lateral incisors (teeth 21 and 22 in FDI notation) due to a cyst. The surgeon removed the cyst (it looked to me like something simmilar to an olive) and cut the tips of the roots to access it. Everything was fine for a long time.
Recently, however, I noticed a soft bump above those same teeth – this time on the front side of the gum.
I visited a dentist who said it could be a recurring infection or residual cyst tissue, and that I should get a CBCT scan before they can decide on the next step. She also mentioned that the root canal fillings of 21 don’t look good and I remember that actually that tooth, the upper central incisor (21) has two canals, and both were filled. At least that was what the dentist and surgeon told me when I did the apicoectomy. I heard that this is really rare so I'm a bit skeptical but on the images I will post that seems to be the case, at least to me.
The dentist performed a minor drainage procedure, creating a small opening in the gum to release fluid. The bump shrank significantly afterward. I’m currently on Klavocin (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid).
CBCT & 3D observations:
While I’m not a dental professional, I do work with 3D imaging and software, so I exported the CBCT scan locally and reviewed it myself.
Of course, I’ll rely on the dentist’s interpretation, but wanted to include that observation in case it adds context.
Any advice, experience, or perspective would be greatly appreciated. I’m trying to make an informed choice and avoid unnecessary procedures.
Here are the rest of the screenshots from the CBCT:
Thanks in advance!
Posted Aug 1, 2025, 11:57 AM UTC