Realizing you have a bump on your gums may be a bit alarming, especially if you’ve never seen it before. Is it an abscess? Is it a cyst? Is it oral cancer? While none of this sounds encouraging, some bumps are harmless, while others require immediate treatment. Keep reading to learn what might be the cause and when you should see an emergency dentist for help.
What Kind of Dental Bumps Can Form on the Gums?
Over time, various bumps can form on your gums. Although some may go away eventually, others require professional treatment and medication. Knowing which ones should warrant immediate attention is important.
- Oral Cyst: Filled with fluid and capable of growing on your gums or cheeks, an oral cyst should be treated by a dentist sooner rather than later. It can potentially cause teeth to move out of alignment or fall out.
- Abscess: If you notice your bump appears to be full of pus, you have a dental abscess. This occurs near an affected tooth and can cause much pain. Do not wait to seek treatment, as it will not heal on its own. Instead, you’ll experience greater discomfort.
- Fibroma: There’s nothing to be worried about if the bump feels hard but also smooth. This is likely a fibroma that can commonly form if you are undergoing any kind of orthodontic treatment or have dentures. Similar to canker sores and cysts, they may require examination from your emergency dentist, but they will usually go away on their own.
- Oral Cancer: Small red or white bumps that form inside your mouth can be a sign of oral cancer. If caught early enough, effective treatment can increase your chances of survival.
What is the General Rule of Thumb When Seeing a Dentist?
Generally, if you notice that an oral lesion has not healed within two weeks, you should schedule an emergency appointment. Even if it proves to be harmless, it’s better to err on the side of caution than wait and learn that your situation is quite serious.
Dental cysts, discolored patches, and abscesses should be treated immediately if you want to avoid tooth loss, infection, and more serious complications.
It’s better to know the symptoms and recognize what you see when looking at your bump in the mirror. This will ensure that you get the timely care you need to keep yourself healthy over time.
About Grand Dental – Lake Zurich
Our Grand Dental – Lake Zurich team of dental experts is available to address dental emergencies of all types. When bumps form on a person’s gum tissue, it’s best to let us look at it so that we can thoroughly examine the problem area and determine if additional treatment is required. If you’re worried about a cyst, abscess, fibroma, or any other bump that is forming on your gums, don’t wait to visit our website or call (847) 443-3953 to schedule an appointment.