Black Growth Behind Teeth: Is It a Wisdom Tooth?

A new black growth behind the teeth?

I used to frequently develop canker sores in my mouth, often caused by biting food, which led to ulcers.
Recently, I noticed a small black solid growth at the back of my teeth, which might be a wisdom tooth!? However, its orientation is very unusual, almost completely different from the direction of the adjacent teeth, and it is quite small, almost embedded in the tissue of the gums at the back.
Is this a wisdom tooth!?!? Why is it black!?!?!? It doesn't hurt, but the surrounding canker sores and ulcers have affected my bite.

Miss Huang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/25

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

There is a small black solid growth at the back of my teeth, oriented in a strange direction that is completely different from the adjacent teeth.
It is speculated to be an impacted wisdom tooth that has not fully erupted and is embedded in the gum tissue behind it.
Additionally, some of the tooth structure may have decayed, which is why it appears this way.

Reply Date: 2016/04/25

More Info

The presence of a black solid growth behind your teeth, particularly if it is located at the back of your mouth, raises several important considerations regarding dental health. Based on your description, it is possible that this growth could be a wisdom tooth, also known as a third molar, which may be impacted or partially erupted. However, the unusual orientation and the fact that it is small and embedded in the gum tissue suggest that it might not be a typical wisdom tooth eruption.

Wisdom teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and they can often cause complications due to lack of space in the mouth. If a wisdom tooth is impacted, it may grow at an angle, pushing against adjacent teeth, which can lead to pain, infection, or other dental issues. The black color you observe could be indicative of dental decay, also known as caries, which can occur if the tooth is partially erupted and not properly cleaned. Bacteria can accumulate in the area, leading to the formation of cavities that may appear dark or black.

The recurrent presence of sores or blisters in your mouth, as you mentioned, could also be related to the irritation caused by the impacted tooth or the surrounding gum tissue. These sores may develop due to trauma from biting or from the pressure exerted by the tooth against the soft tissue. If the area is inflamed or infected, it can lead to further complications, including the potential for abscess formation, which is a collection of pus that can cause significant pain and swelling.

Given that you are not experiencing pain currently, it is crucial to monitor the situation closely. However, the presence of the black solid growth and the history of mouth sores suggests that a dental evaluation is warranted. A dentist can perform a thorough examination, possibly including X-rays, to determine the nature of the growth and whether it is indeed a wisdom tooth or something else entirely, such as a dental cyst or another form of pathology.

In terms of treatment, if it is confirmed to be an impacted wisdom tooth, the dentist may recommend extraction, especially if it poses a risk of infection or is causing damage to adjacent teeth. If the tooth is decayed, restorative options such as fillings or crowns may be considered, but these depend on the extent of the decay and the overall health of the tooth.

In summary, while the growth you are observing could potentially be a wisdom tooth, its unusual characteristics and the surrounding symptoms suggest that it is essential to seek professional dental advice. A dentist will be able to provide a definitive diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific situation. Regular dental check-ups are vital for maintaining oral health and preventing complications associated with wisdom teeth and other dental issues.

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