Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Dealing with Excess Gum Tissue

After having my upper left wisdom tooth extracted, there is a large piece of gum tissue that has formed?

Hello, doctor.
I have some questions.
In April, I had two wisdom teeth extracted in total, with a recovery period of two weeks for each extraction.
The extraction of the upper and lower right teeth went smoothly, and regular sutures were used.
However, after the recovery period, when I went to have the upper and lower left teeth extracted, I have some concerns regarding the recovery and appearance.
I was informed that the upper left wisdom tooth was more deeply rooted and more difficult to extract, so the doctor switched from regular sutures to absorbable sutures.
I would like to know if there are any differences in the suturing techniques between regular sutures and absorbable sutures.
After the extraction of the upper left wisdom tooth, I noticed a J-shaped piece of gum tissue near the front tooth that was extracted, which did not occur on the right side where regular sutures were used.
This has resulted in additional swelling, discomfort, and cleaning issues.
The length of the gum tissue is level with the tooth, and during the recovery period, it has caused discomfort due to being pushed by the cheek tissue.
The appearance of the left and right sides is also different.
The doctor initially instructed me to keep the area as clean as possible, but to leave the extra, movable gum tissue alone.
So, will this gum tissue eventually shrink on its own, or will it require surgical removal? This is quite troubling for me.

Dou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/30

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear Mr.
Dou,
Hello! The suturing technique for regular sutures and absorbable sutures is the same! (After the extraction of the upper left wisdom tooth, there seems to be a large piece of gum tissue remaining.) A clinical examination is necessary to determine the situation! However, it is important to maintain oral hygiene! Take care! Wishing you all the best!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry

Reply Date: 2020/04/30

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, it's not uncommon for patients to experience various healing issues, including the development of excess gum tissue, also known as hyperplastic tissue or granulation tissue. This can occur for several reasons, including the complexity of the extraction, the healing process, and the type of sutures used.

In your case, it seems that the left upper wisdom tooth extraction was more complicated than the right, which could explain the difference in healing and the presence of excess gum tissue. The use of absorbable sutures versus non-absorbable sutures can also influence the healing process. Absorbable sutures are designed to dissolve over time, which can sometimes lead to a different healing response compared to traditional sutures that need to be removed.
The J-shaped excess gum tissue you described is likely a result of the body's natural healing process. After an extraction, the body works to fill in the void left by the tooth, and sometimes this can result in an overgrowth of tissue. This tissue can be sensitive and may cause discomfort, especially if it is being irritated by adjacent teeth or the cheek.

In terms of management, there are a few considerations:
1. Observation: Often, excess gum tissue will resolve on its own as the healing process continues. If the tissue is not causing significant discomfort or interfering with oral hygiene, your dentist may recommend monitoring it for a few weeks to see if it diminishes.

2. Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Gently brushing the area and rinsing with warm salt water can help keep the area clean and reduce inflammation. However, as advised, avoid disturbing the excess tissue too much, as this could exacerbate irritation.

3. Follow-Up: If the tissue does not improve or if it continues to cause discomfort, a follow-up appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon is advisable. They can assess the tissue and determine if it is necessary to remove it surgically.
4. Surgical Intervention: In cases where the excess tissue persists and causes significant issues, a minor surgical procedure may be performed to remove the hyperplastic tissue. This is typically a straightforward procedure and can provide relief from discomfort.

5. Comparison with Right Side: The difference in healing between the left and right sides could be due to several factors, including the difficulty of the extraction, the individual healing response, and even the technique used by the surgeon. Each extraction site can heal differently, and variations are not uncommon.

In conclusion, while the presence of excess gum tissue after wisdom tooth extraction can be concerning, it is often a normal part of the healing process. Monitoring the situation, maintaining good oral hygiene, and consulting with your dentist for any persistent issues are the best courses of action. If surgical intervention is needed, your dentist will guide you through the process and ensure that you achieve optimal healing.

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