Tooth extraction #18 - fleshy lump
 

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

lump diagnosis, sort of
 

Hi Bryanna, The OS said it was healing fine and didn't seem to think much of the raised area. I asked him what it was, and he said, maybe a bit of irritated gum tissue. He didn't see any need to take pictures either.

I imagined this would be his response, and had to get up at 6:30 to see him. I even tripped over the pet gate and banged my face into the wall before going. So, my upper gum was cut and swollen. Thank goodness my teeth didn't get chipped or broken. That would have been really bad and terribly untimely!!
Thanks Bryanna...GMarie

GMarie,

What a crappy start to your day! But you did get some good news..... so it wasn't all bad :)

I know it's a PITA .... If the area changes at all for the worse, don't hesitate to go back and see him. If this is just an irritation then it should get better with each day.

Are you brushing and flossing all of your teeth and still rinsing with warm salt water? Are you rinsing with anything else?

Bryanna

It never ends..!
 

Bryanna, Yes quite a start to the day!
Just wondering....what is a PITA? I am still doing warm salt water rinses. I have been rinsing with ACT total care mouthwash the last couple of days too. Is there something else I should be using?

Thanks again for your useful information! After this heals, it's off to the dentist to get a crown repaired. Does it ever end?? ;)

GMarie

GMarie,

PITA means .... pain in the ***** :)

I would stop using the ACT and stick with the salt water only. Mouthwash contains chemicals, some very toxic, and all irritating to the oral tissue. There is no therapeutic benefit to using mouthwash. They are marketed as something that kills bad breath, germs and prevents cavities. The ingredients do kill germs but cannot distinguish between the good or the bad germs so they kill them all. They also decrease the production of saliva predisposing the user to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Many rinses contain Fluoride which is actually an industrial toxic waste product and it does not prevent tooth decay. Thorough brushing and flossing are the best preventive measures to prevent decay.

Stick with the salt water only and see if the lump clears up in a few days.

Bryanna