Unidentified Object Found in Gum After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: What to Know

Three months after having my wisdom teeth extracted, an object was detected in the original position of the wisdom teeth during a full-mouth X-ray?

Dear Dr.
Tseng,
I had my lower left horizontal wisdom tooth extracted in mid-February of this year (it was surgically removed), and I had a collagen plug placed (due to the large wound).
During my routine check-up and teeth cleaning on May 18th, the clinic took a full-mouth X-ray (the cleaning and extraction were not done at the same clinic) and found that my lower left gum was covering a mass (an upright oval-shaped object with pointed ends).
However, I do not feel any pain or swelling in the gum.
The dentist who performed the cleaning advised me to leave it alone for now (since it is covered by the gum, cutting it open might cause harm), but they did not tell me what the mass could be, only that it should not be collagen (as they believe the collagen may have already been absorbed).
I would like to ask you, Dr.
Tseng, what could that mass possibly be? Thank you.

Ruo Yi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/20

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

Three months after wisdom tooth extraction, a full-mouth X-ray revealed a foreign object in the original location of the wisdom tooth.
It is recommended to return to the original extraction clinic for a detailed examination.
Dr.
Tseng Guang-Hui, Department of Dentistry, Nantou Hospital.

Reply Date: 2021/05/20

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, it is not uncommon for patients to notice unusual objects or formations in the gum area, especially if the extraction was complicated or involved the use of graft materials like collagen. In your case, the presence of a pointed, oval-shaped object in the gum after the extraction of your lower left wisdom tooth could be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that after a tooth extraction, the body goes through a healing process that can involve the formation of granulation tissue, which is a normal part of wound healing. This tissue can sometimes appear as a lump or bump in the gum area. If you had collagen grafts placed to aid in healing, it is possible that the body has absorbed most of the graft material, but remnants or changes in the surrounding tissue could still be present.

The object you described could also be a piece of bone, known as a sequestrum, which can sometimes become exposed after a tooth extraction, especially if the extraction site was large or if there was significant bone removal during the procedure. This is more common in cases where the tooth was impacted or had to be cut into pieces for removal. The fact that you are not experiencing pain or swelling is a positive sign, as it suggests that there may not be an active infection or significant irritation at the site.

Another possibility is that the object is a fibrous tissue formation or a benign growth that can occur as part of the healing process. These formations are typically harmless and may resolve on their own over time. However, it is crucial to monitor the area for any changes, such as increased size, pain, or signs of infection (like redness or discharge).

Given that your dentist advised against immediate intervention, it is wise to follow their recommendation. Surgical intervention to remove the object could potentially lead to more complications or delay the healing process. Instead, regular follow-up appointments will allow your dentist to monitor the situation and determine if any further action is necessary.

In summary, while the presence of an unidentified object in the gum after wisdom tooth extraction can be concerning, it is often a normal part of the healing process. It could be granulation tissue, a piece of bone, or a benign growth. As long as you are not experiencing pain or other concerning symptoms, it is best to continue monitoring the area and maintain open communication with your dental care provider. If you notice any changes or have further concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist for advice and potential evaluation.

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