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Gums below incisors and canines are turning dark with pain post wisdom tooth surgery. Why?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had wisdom tooth surgery two weeks ago. However, now the gums below my incisors and canines hurt and are turning darker. What do I do?

I am using Chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Please do not worry. This is melanotic pigmentation caused due to the deposition of melanin. It is not a pathology and had nothing to do with extraction. However, esthetically if it irritates you, it has a surgical treatment called de-pigmentation done by scalpel, laser, or electrocautery (scalpel method is least expensive).

The Probable causes

Melanin pigmentation.

Differential diagnosis

Melanotic pigmentation.

Probable diagnosis

Melanotic pigmentation.

Treatment plan

Surgery.

Preventive measures

Please stop mouthwash as it can cause staining.

Regarding follow up

No need but if estheticaly you feel uncomfortable, report me before surgery.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Is it normal if it pains, and I cannot chew hard food? I am having trouble sleeping too.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is normal. Actually, if you can see the picture, you can see areas below black pigmentation that depict occlusal load. So pain is not due to pigmentation. It is due to the occlusal load. Do not worry. Also, one of your teeth has an exposed root. I am prescribing a desensitizing paste, apply over the anteriors for a month and then tell me if there any improvement.

The Probable causes

Biting force and trauma.

Investigations to be done

X-ray.

Differential diagnosis

Occlusal trauma and recession.

Probable diagnosis

Occlusal trauma and recession.

Treatment plan

Desensitizing paste for one month. Stop your mouthwash and do warn saline rinses six hourly a day for one week.

Regarding follow up

After a week, otherwise if symptoms worsen.

Answered byDr. Bharat Joshi

Medically reviewed byDr. Vinodhini J.

Published At September 12, 2020
Reviewed AtSeptember 12, 2020

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