Something sticking out of my gum, Is it harmful? What are the different reasons for a bony protrusion on the gums? What is a dental fistula? And why does gum bone sometimes come out after extraction?
I. Why Bony Protrusion on Gums?
Among the many gum problems, one can have, gum recession is one of the most common.
When the gums recede, the teeth appear longer.
Gum recession or retraction can have several origins.
It can be due to a thin bone table or bone dehiscence. The latter is related to the thinness of the periodontium. Because of this, the bone retracts under the gum.
The thinness of the keratinized tissue can also cause gingival recession.
Tooth malposition can also cause the gum bone to protrude. In this case, the tooth is not completely covered by the bone. The gum does not completely cover the tooth and retracts.
Some habits can cause gum recession.
In particular, gum disease, such as gingivitis. Brushing your teeth too hard can also cause this type of phenomenon.
It is also possible to have a bone protruding from the gums in cases of poorly attached dentures.
Smoking and other habits such as piercing can also lead to gum retraction.
Also, it could be a tooth fragment left after extraction. Because sometimes fragments of bone detach from the tooth, which is quite complicated to extract.
And lastly, it is necessary to take into consideration a push of a wisdom tooth in an oblique way for lack of space in the jaw.
In fact, the wisdom tooth can appear as a piece of bone that protrudes from the gum and it is in most cases to remove them if the dentist does not have the possibility to put them in the right place.
II. Is A Bony Protrusion on Gums Harmful?
In most cases, a piece of bone coming out of the gum is not too dangerous and harmful and does not put you at any risk, except perhaps a little pain every time you eat.
But to avoid any possible complications, it is better to consult your orthodontist who will make an X-ray to identify the origin of the issue. Then remove it with all possible precautions to avoid aggravating the condition
III. Something Sticking Out of My Gum, Why?
To know if you are experiencing gum recession, there are some symptoms to keep in mind.
First of all, if the teeth start to look bigger, to get longer, then there is a great risk of suffering a gum recession. The gum tissue, which is supposed to cover the teeth, shrinks. The teeth do not become longer, but give this impression because of the revealed dental bone.
Another symptom is tooth sensitivity. It is important to understand that the gum covering the tooth also protects the tooth. The tooth exposed due to gum recession is, therefore, more sensitive, especially to temperature changes.
There is also the phenomenon of wisdom teeth that grow crookedly to appear to the layman as a kind of bone that comes out of the gum.
In general, this phenomenon is due to the lack of space in the mouth. According to the experts on breathing, this lack of space is the indirect consequence of breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.
According to them, breathing through the mouth causes the jaw to shrink inward to occupy the space reserved by the human body for the wisdom teeth that grow late.
Bleeding, as well as redness is another sign of gum recession.
The roots of the tooth also become visible. This demarcation can even be felt to the touch. The outer components of the tooth are dentin and enamel.
When the demarcation appears, it is easy to distinguish the boundaries between the two elements, which are different in color.
The last symptom is the space between the teeth, which becomes larger. Because the gum tissue shrinks and retracts, the teeth become progressively wider apart.
Each of these symptoms can imply a dental recession.
IV. What Is a Dental Fistula?
A dental fistula is a duct or canal that allows the pus to drain out. When there is a purulent tooth or gum infection, the fistula is usually where the pus escapes.
This is what happens in cases of periodontal abscesses. If this type of infection is not treated very quickly, it can become chronic.
An internal dental fistula is when the pus in the abscess comes out of the cheek. In these cases, lesions may even appear on the chin and cheek.
The fistula is said to be external when the breach of exit of the pus is inside the mouth. On the gums for example.
V. Bone Spur After Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is extracted, the space it occupied forms a gaping hole of bone and flesh.
The healing of a tooth after extraction can be done in two ways.
Either a suture is performed or the space left by the missing tooth is filled with intercalated scar tissue.
After tooth extraction, it is possible to have pieces of bone sticking out of the gum. This happens most often when a wisdom tooth is removed.
It can be difficult to know if it is a remnant of the tooth or a piece of bone.
To be sure and to have a procedure to follow, it is better to consult a dentist.
VI. Other Questions About gums protruding bone
1. How does a protruding bone affect oral health?
A protruding bone in the gums can have a significant impact on your oral health. It can provide a favorable environment for the accumulation of bacteria and plaque, leading to infection or gum disease if not properly treated.
In addition, bone protruding from the gums can cause discomfort or even pain when eating or brushing, affecting your overall oral hygiene routine.
2. Management of overhanging gums
Its management often involves dental intervention. Depending on the cause and severity, treatments can range from bone smoothing to surgical interventions to eliminate bone growth.
Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed to relieve associated discomfort.
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