Q. I have had an abscess for about 2 months. I was referred to an endodontist who established it wasn’t worth doing re-root canal treatment. I have therefore been referred to the hospital for an apisectomy. I met with the consultant yesterday who explained the risks associated with the procedure. He emphasised the risk that there could be nerve damage which could result in permanent numbness in my tongue, lip and cheek. It’s really concerned me and made me think I should just have the tooth extracted. However, he did say that the bone was still good. Is the risk of permanent numbness very high? It is a very large molar, bottom left, which is aready heavily filled with half a crown over it.