I have a small hard bump on my gum after a tooth extraction. What to do?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 23 weeks pregnant. I had my lower right molar extracted almost two weeks ago, and I have noticed a small, hard bump on my gum where the tooth was removed. It is irritating, and it is causing my gums to become sore again. My gum was swollen up until four or five days ago. The tooth that was removed was extremely infected and had caused my gums to become swollen as well. The bump has been there since the tooth was removed and has not changed in size or discomfort level.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query, and from your description, I think the gingival enlargement is what is known as epulis, commonly called pregnancy epulis. There is no need to worry. Pregnancy epulis is an enlargement of the facial surface of the gingiva and is mainly formed by the capillary vessels and endothelial tissue. If it is not very irritating, you can leave it as such, and after the parturition (childbirth), it will resolve on its own. In case it is irritating, you can visit a dentist, and he will excise it and put you on an antibiotic regimen for the prevention of further infection. The pregnancy epulis is caused by an increase in progesterone and estrogen in the body of a pregnant woman, which results in many changes in the body. This condition may develop in some ladies and is not present in the mouth of every pregnant lady. So, do not panic.

I hope this helps.