Dear Bryanna, Tooth number 18 was extracted 11 days ago. I'm going to see my oral surgeon who did the surgery on Wednesday for a follow up and to get the stitches out. However, I'd like you to take a look at the photo I have attached if you would. There is a fleshy lump at the end of the socket, no pus or drainage, just raised gum tissue, which is red in the middle. He didn't mention anything about it in his report, but the socket seems to be healing poorly on that end. The socket appears deeper there. Do you have any ideas as to what the lump is or if it's just a natural part of the healing. I had an infected root canalled tooth there before the extraction.
Thanks for taking a look!
GMarie I can't seem to attach my photo, but maybe you would know what this is by my description? Thanks for your time!

GMarie,

I can tell you that it is concerning if any lumps form on the gum or near the extraction site more than 7 days post op. It could be some extra benign tissue that has formed which can be easily removed. It could be a splintered piece of bone that is trying to make it's way out and has inflamed the gum or it could be the result of an infection that may or may not have other symptoms.

Make sure you bring this to his attention and ask him to check it thoroughly. Do not tell him it doesn't hurt.... unless he asks you or after he has thoroughly checked it. That way he's more likely to check it more closely. He should probe around a bit to see if there is any discharge or pus and a single radio graph might be helpful to see how clean the socket is as there could be a bony spicule trying to come out.

There are other post operative concerns that sometimes arise after a root canaled tooth is extracted that have to do with the root canal procedure itself. So it is best for the os to evaluate the site thoroughly.

Please check back with us after you visit.
Bryanna

Thank you so much Bryanna for your information! I will ask him to check it thoroughly, as I too am concerned about it, plus wonder if it will go away.
I will let you know how it goes after my appointment tomorrow!

Sincerely, GMarie

GMarie,

If there is no bacterial or specific irritant causing the lump, then with time, change of oral hygiene or minor intervention (if necessary) it will go away.

Bryanna

Thanks again Bryanna!
So, should I get an x-ray of the socket to make sure there's nothing under or in the area? This OS is very limited with his morning appointments before surgeries. However, if you think it's necessary, I'll make sure he takes one. It's been very slow to heal, and is still healing, especially near that end.
Thank you much!
GMarie

GMarie,

I would say yes to the xray. But by now you have most likely already seen the os. So what did he say?

Bryanna