Gum Bumps: Common Concerns After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Q: Gum Bumps: Common Concerns After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Hello： If you are concerned about oral cancer, it is recommended to go directly to a hospital or medical center and consult with oral pathology or oral surgery. <br>The suspicious areas can be locally excised and sent for biopsy. <br>Soft tissue biopsies or tumor removals are cov

Inquiry for clarification?

Dear Dr.
Lin,
Hello.
My lower right wisdom tooth was extracted over a decade ago, and the area is now edentulous gum tissue.
Around July of last year, I noticed a semi-circular protrusion on the gum tissue, approximately 0.2 cm in size, which appears pinkish-white due to long-term friction.
During a routine dental cleaning, I asked my dentist about this semi-circular protrusion.
The dentist suggested that it might be a scar formed from the uneven healing of the gum tissue after the extraction of my wisdom tooth, but it is normal skin tissue.
I inquired whether it could be removed, but the dentist believed it was unnecessary and that health insurance would not cover the removal of normal gum tissue, so the protrusion has not been excised to this day.
I would like to ask Dr.
Lin the following questions:
Q1.
Based on the above, do you also believe that the semi-circular protrusion on my gum is a scar (tissue) resulting from uneven healing after the wisdom tooth extraction? Additionally, is this situation common?
Q2.
The semi-circular protrusion on my gum seems to have turned a bit white due to long-term friction.
If I do not have it removed, will it potentially undergo malignant changes over time due to physical stimuli such as biting and chewing?
Thank you, Dr.
Lin.

Kris, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/07

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: If you are concerned about oral cancer, it is recommended to go directly to a hospital or medical center and consult with oral pathology or oral surgery.
The suspicious areas can be locally excised and sent for biopsy.
Soft tissue biopsies or tumor removals are covered fully or partially by health insurance.

Reply Date: 2024/01/07

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed questions regarding the gum bump you’ve noticed after your wisdom tooth extraction. Let’s address your concerns one by one.

Q1: Is the half-moon shaped bump on my gum a scar tissue from the wisdom tooth extraction? Is this situation common?
Based on your description, it is quite plausible that the half-moon shaped bump on your gum is indeed a form of scar tissue resulting from the healing process after your wisdom tooth extraction. When a tooth is removed, the surrounding gum tissue undergoes a healing process that can sometimes lead to irregularities in the gum line. This is particularly true if the extraction site was large or if there was significant trauma to the surrounding tissues during the procedure.
Such bumps or irregularities in the gum tissue are not uncommon after dental extractions, especially wisdom teeth, which can be more complicated due to their position in the mouth. The body’s natural healing response can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which may appear as a bump. In many cases, these bumps are benign and do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or other issues.

Q2: Will the bump change over time due to physical irritation from chewing, and could it lead to malignant changes?
It’s understandable to be concerned about any changes in your oral health. The white coloration of the bump could be a result of keratinization, which is a natural response of the gum tissue to repeated friction or irritation from chewing or biting. While it is unlikely that this benign bump would undergo malignant transformation simply due to physical irritation, it is essential to monitor any changes in size, shape, color, or sensation.

If the bump continues to be irritated, it may become more pronounced or change in appearance, but this does not necessarily indicate a malignant change. However, if you notice any significant changes, such as increased pain, bleeding, or if the bump grows rapidly, it would be prudent to consult your dentist or an oral surgeon for further evaluation. They may recommend a biopsy or other diagnostic procedures if there are any concerns about the nature of the tissue.

In summary, while the bump you are experiencing is likely a benign scar tissue formation from your wisdom tooth extraction, it is essential to keep an eye on it. Regular dental check-ups are crucial, as your dentist can monitor the situation and provide guidance on whether any intervention is necessary. If you have ongoing concerns or if the bump becomes bothersome, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or further evaluation from a dental specialist.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding excessive irritation to the area can help manage the situation. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask. Thank you!

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