Is It Normal to Have Painful Gum Growth After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

After having wisdom teeth extracted, the gums in front of the molars may grow tissue?

After having my wisdom teeth removed and the stitches taken out, I developed a painful lump on the gums in front of my molars.
When I lightly tap the teeth, it feels sore (both molars in front of the wisdom tooth are sensitive to tapping).
I went back to the doctor for a check-up, and he said it was gum inflammation.
However, it's been a week, and the lump hasn't gone down and still hurts.
Is this normal?

joi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/15

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

The above situation may indicate inflammation of the gums around the molars.
It is recommended to clean the area with a toothbrush.
If the discomfort persists, you should return to the dentist for an examination.

Reply Date: 2016/03/15

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, experiencing some discomfort or pain in the gums is not uncommon. However, the persistence of pain and the presence of swollen gum tissue, as you described, can indicate a few potential issues that may require further attention.

Firstly, it's important to understand that after a tooth extraction, the body goes through a healing process. This process can involve the growth of new tissue, which may appear as a fleshy lump or growth in the area where the tooth was removed. This tissue is part of the healing process, but if it becomes inflamed, it can lead to discomfort and pain. The inflammation could be due to several factors, including infection, irritation from food particles, or even the pressure from adjacent teeth.

The fact that you mentioned the area remains painful and the tissue has not reduced in size after a week suggests that there may be an underlying issue. One possibility is that you could be experiencing a condition known as "dry socket" (alveolar osteitis), which occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site either dissolves or dislodges before the wound has fully healed. This condition can lead to significant pain and may require treatment from your dentist.

Another possibility is that the gum tissue is inflamed due to an infection. If bacteria have entered the extraction site, it can lead to localized gum disease, which may cause pain and swelling. In such cases, your dentist may need to clean the area thoroughly and possibly prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.

Additionally, if the adjacent teeth are causing pressure on the healing site, this could also lead to discomfort. You mentioned that tapping on the teeth causes pain, which could indicate that the surrounding teeth are not aligning properly or that there is some residual inflammation in the area.

Given that your symptoms have persisted for over a week, it would be advisable to follow up with your dentist for a more thorough examination. They may want to take X-rays to ensure that there are no remaining fragments of the tooth or other issues contributing to your pain. It’s also essential to maintain good oral hygiene during this healing period to prevent any further complications.

In the meantime, you can manage the discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers, and applying a warm compress to the outside of your jaw may help alleviate some of the pain. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods can also reduce irritation to the area.

In summary, while some discomfort after wisdom tooth extraction is normal, persistent pain and swelling should be evaluated by a dental professional. It’s crucial to address these symptoms promptly to ensure proper healing and to prevent any potential complications.

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