Extraction / Gum Not Healing over Socket
 

Hi Brianna,

I had an extraction 3 weeks ago, on an upper tooth (4th from the front on the left). It seemed to go fine.

I have noticed that the gum isn't healing over the socket, but, has grown vertically. So there is a big hanging mass of gum tissue, almost as big as the tooth was, and also what looks like a pokey piece of bone in it.

After the extraction, I moved from the US to Africa. I'm a little worried about how to communicate to the original dentist to figure out what is going on, and then if I should try to go in to a local dentist (it's a big urban area here), or let the body heal itself.

The hanging down tissue is pretty distracting and it has gotten bigger the last couple of days.

Thanks for any thoughts or ideas. :) :) :)

(photo attached)
 

Have attached a photo. Thanks!Attachment 8924

Hi smileyafrica,

Thanks for posting the picture. The picture is small but from what I can see and based on your description, that piece of tissue is not normal healing. Either you have a large boney fragment or a root tip that is trying to come out or you could have a cyst forming.

Was this a root canaled tooth?

Do you or did you have any sinus issues before or after the extraction/

It is probably not wise to just see what happens with this. You should be evaluated by a dentist, preferably an oral surgeon as he would be more familiar and experienced with this issue as compared to a general dentist. It would be best to have your pre and post op xrays of this tooth sent to you or the oral surgeon so he can see them at the consultation appointment.

Hope this info helps! How do you like living in Africa??

Hi Bryanna,

Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it.

A piece of bone did come out the day after I posted this.

I got sick the week after the extraction, so that extra bacteria may not be doing me any favors. Because of being in Africa, I am taking doxycycline for anti-malarial, but I also heard it happens to be a dental antibiotic, too.

My dentist also offered this comment -

"Hope you are doing well. I cant tell much from the pictures but from your explanation, it sounds like you are seeing/feeling keratinized tissue/edge of the bone showing through in the center. In either case I wouldn’t be worried. As far as the amount of soft tissue goes; it varies between extraction sites dependent on the condition of the tooth, its anatomy, presence of infection at the time of extraction. If you were here; I would advise you to come in; so I can evaluate the area and confirm the condition. It would be a good idea for you to get it evaluated there if you are having more symptoms (also it has only been about 3 weeks since extraction and soft tissue healing takes about 6 wks while bone will take about 6 months to heal completely). Please don’t hesitate to call/email as needed."

Maybe I'll give it a few more days to see if it's improving, and then schedule a local appt. I'm a little reticent to get dental care in Africa just because of the comparison of infrastructure, but I also don't want it to get worse or be untreated.

Africa is so awesome!!! :) :) It's my third trip here. Love the people. Thanks for asking. :)

Hi smileyafrica,

I agree with your "dentist" there are several possibilities and I also agree if you could find a reputable dentist to take a look, that would be best.

Doxycycline is used in dentistry for certain bacterial infections, so it might be helpful.

I would suggest to inquire from co workers or others about a dentist and preferably an oral surgeon as he would have more experience and knowledge with this. If you are in an area of Africa where health care is limited or very primitive.... if at all possible it would be best to seek a dentist outside of that area if possible.

Where in Africa are you? ..... only if you want to share that info.;)
I have a friend who was in the peace corps and she spent about 2 years in the Ivory Coast working with the midwives. She said the experience and the people were awesome and without hesitation will return again... and again!!