Can you please list the risks associated with having root canal surgery?

Infection is worse: There are always risks ie. Perforation of canals, overfill, fractured roots etc. However, not having a necessary root canal- will always present more problems with pain and infection. Ultimately, if a tooth is deemed non-restorable, it can be safely removed to avoid further problems. Whereas an untreated, infected tooth can pose very dangerous health risks!

Apicoectomy: Root canal surgery is typically called an 'apicoectomy' for removal of the root tip of a tooth. This usually performed because there is an infection that can't be removed from the inside of the tooth. Surgey complications are rare but may include damage to surrounding nerves and soft tissue, bleeding and gum recession. Success may be 80-95% depending on the problem.

Let's see...: There is the potential for complications with any procedure. In the case of root canal surgery, perhaps there may be numbness for a period of time, there may be an infection, there may be complications with healing. We dentists would love to have total control of how your body responds to our care. However, we will not ever have that control. So we are called to do our best.