Wisdom Teeth and Oral Wall Issues: A Dental Guide

Oral Issues (Wisdom Teeth vs. Oral Mucosa)

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about an issue I'm experiencing.
My left wisdom tooth has been partially erupted for about six months.
Although it is growing at an angle, it has been manageable in my mouth.
Recently, it has started to erupt slightly more, causing food debris to get trapped, even getting lodged in the gum area where the wisdom tooth has created a hole.
The main concern is that a foreign object has suddenly formed on the inner lining of my mouth next to the wisdom tooth; it appeared overnight as a round, fleshy bump.
Initially, it was not painful, but then it began to hurt (similar to the pain of a canker sore).
By the third day, I started rinsing it with saline solution, and by the next day, the pain had mostly subsided, but the shape of the bump has changed.
It has been five days since this occurred; although the pain has lessened, I am still worried.
Could you please advise me on what might be happening in my mouth? Thank you.
(Note: I have three years of smoking experience but have recently quit.) Attached are photos of my mouth and wisdom tooth from August 22 and August 29.

Zhìchǐ vs Kǒuqiāng nèi bì, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/30

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

The above situation may be caused by an impacted wisdom tooth irritating the oral mucosa, leading to inflammation and hyperplasia of the oral mucosa.
It is recommended to consult a dentist for further diagnosis and treatment.

Reply Date: 2015/08/30

More Info

Understanding the issues surrounding wisdom teeth and oral health is crucial, especially when experiencing discomfort or unusual growths in the mouth. Based on your description, it seems you are dealing with a few interconnected problems related to your wisdom tooth and the surrounding oral tissues.

Firstly, the wisdom tooth, or third molar, often presents challenges due to its positioning. In your case, it appears to be growing at an angle, which can lead to food trapping between the tooth and the adjacent gum tissue. This situation can create an environment conducive to inflammation and infection, leading to pain and discomfort. The fact that you have noticed a round, fleshy growth in your mouth could indicate a few possibilities, such as a mucosal cyst or a reaction to irritation from the wisdom tooth.

The initial lack of pain followed by discomfort suggests that the area may have become inflamed, possibly due to food particles irritating the gum tissue or an infection developing. The use of saline solution to rinse the area is a good practice, as it can help reduce inflammation and cleanse the area of debris. However, while the pain has subsided, the change in the shape of the growth is concerning and warrants further investigation.

Given your history of smoking, it's also important to consider that smoking can impair healing and contribute to oral health issues, including gum disease and delayed recovery from infections. Quitting smoking is a positive step for your overall health and can significantly improve your oral health outcomes.

In terms of what you should do next, it is advisable to consult with a dentist or an oral surgeon. They can perform a thorough examination, possibly including X-rays, to assess the position of your wisdom tooth and the nature of the growth in your mouth. They will be able to determine if the wisdom tooth needs to be extracted or if the growth requires any specific treatment.

In the meantime, continue to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently around the affected area. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods can also help minimize irritation. If you experience increased pain, swelling, or any signs of infection (such as fever or pus), seek dental care promptly.

In summary, while the initial symptoms may have improved, the presence of a growth and the ongoing issues with your wisdom tooth suggest that professional evaluation is necessary. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications and ensure that your oral health is maintained effectively.

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