Can a dental filling affect the health of the nearby gums?

Question

Hello doctor,

Yesterday I had a filling replaced in my first lower molar. Today, I noticed that from the side closer to the cheek, the gum between the first and second molars turned white and purple. It seems to be dead. My tooth does not hurt.

I had an injection with an anesthetic, but it was different from the ones I had before. This time, the doctor proceeded to his work right after the injection.

It is the first time I have noticed such worrying changes in my gums. The dead area is spread on the surface of about 12 mm^2, which is quite a lot. I have attached the picture of my gum.

Please tell me if I should be worried about that change and what I should do next?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

Please do not overthink this. If you have no pain and swelling, you should not be worried about that change. This is probably a tissue injury during tooth restoration. Or it may also be due to access to dental filling, tissue injury, and ulceration.

Sometime during the filling procedure, a high-speed instrument touches surround gum tissue and causes some traumatic ulcers, which get cured automatically in a few days. Wait for two more days, and after that, if you still have this problem or any pain or swelling, then see your dentist.

You may apply an ulcer gel containing Chlorhexidine and take a B complex supplement (once a day) for the treatment for now.

As for the preventive measure

Maintain proper oral hygiene.
Do not touch the affected area.
Use antiseptic mouthwash.

I hope it helps.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thaank you.