What causes a sore behind a partially erupted wisdom tooth?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 28 years old, and I used to smoke till three years ago and now I have quit. Then I started using pan masala (no tobacco) for about one year. I drink a few times a month as well. But it is not frequent. Around 23 days ago I witnessed a sore behind my partially erupted wisdom tooth which was on the swollen part right behind the wisdom tooth. The pain went away in four days but the patch is still there without any pain or reduction. It exactly looks like a canker sore and no different. It is not paining but the mark is not going. It has been more than 15 days since this appeared. Should I be worried? Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
I am an oral surgeon. Let me know what color the sore or patch is. Is it the same color as your gums or does it appear red or white? Usually, non-healing ulcers past one week need to be investigated and relieved soon for precautionary sake. So let me know the color of the sore and I will suggest you accordingly.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
It has a white center and is oval shaped with red boundaries all over. It is exactly like a canker sore but does not go away. I have attached a photo but this is the most clear picture that I could take because it is under my wisdom tooth. Also, I am having a little swelling in this area too. Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Glad to have you back.
I read your query and understand your concern. Based on the image attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), it looks definitely like an inflammatory oral canker sore. I would suggest you use a mouthwash with Chlorhexidine gluconate (Clohex) regularly. Use it twice a day for three months. This is for precautionary sake so that you do not get a recurrence of such lesions. I suggest applying a gel called Dentogel (Choline salicylate and Lidocaine 2%) that is commonly available everywhere. You need to apply this every night for the next 15 days. Post 15 days, if you still observe that the red patch is not fading away, then you need to go for a clinical check-up with your oral surgeon.
I hope I have cleared all your doubts.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Thank you so much for easing up my anxiety. I will follow everything you said and start the treatment from tomorrow.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
If the patch is still persisting for two weeks from now, enclose a fresh picture again. I might have to prescribe antibiotics then. Right now, antibiotics are not needed. By using Choline salicylate gel and Chlorhexidine mouthwash, this sore will definitely fade away to an extent.
Feel free to contact back for further queries.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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