Polyps over wisdom teeth symptoms complications and treatment

Have you noticed a slight swelling or a small flap of gum covering your wisdom tooth, causing pain or difficulty chewing? The gum tissue over a wisdom tooth is a very common issue, often appearing when wisdom teeth start to emerge during young adulthood. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain or recurring infections.In this Daleel Medical article, we will explain in detail the causes of gum tissue over the wisdom tooth, its types, symptoms, and the risks of neglecting it. We will also cover treatment options—including medications, surgery, and home remedies—step by step, so you can protect your mouth from complications and know the right time to visit a dentist.

What Is the Gum Tissue Over the Wisdom Tooth?

The gum tissue over the wisdom tooth, medically known as Pericoronitis, is a condition where the gum covering a partially erupted wisdom tooth becomes inflamed and swollen.

It usually appears as a small, painful flap of gum over part of the tooth, causing discomfort, difficulty chewing, and trouble cleaning the area. Food debris and bacteria can get trapped under this gum flap, leading to inflammation and pain over time.

This condition most commonly affects people aged 17 to 25, which is the typical age for wisdom teeth to start emerging.

⏳ When Does the Gum Tissue Over the Wisdom Tooth Go Away?

In most cases, with proper treatment from a dentist, the swelling begins to subside within 1–2 weeks.
However, if the condition is severe or infections recur, it may take longer—around 3–4 weeks—for the area to fully calm down.

❌ Can It Disappear on Its Own?

Usually, the gum tissue over the wisdom tooth does not disappear by itself, because the underlying inflammation and bacterial presence remain.
If left untreated, the condition can worsen, potentially spreading the infection to other parts of the mouth, cheek, or throat. Treatment is therefore necessary—through medication, gum cleaning, or minor surgery depending on severity.

Gum Tissue Around a Broken Tooth

If a tooth is broken or has a cavity, a small gum growth may form around the damaged area due to inflammation or gum abscess.

Treatment options:

Repairable tooth → dentist may perform a filling or restoration.
Severe damage or recurring abscess → tooth extraction and area cleaning may be required.

These growths rarely disappear on their own, as they indicate underlying inflammation that requires professional care.

Types of Gum Tissue Over the Wisdom Tooth

The gum tissue over a wisdom tooth is not the same in all cases; it varies depending on its appearance, inflammation level, and the condition of the tooth. Here are the most common types seen by dentists:

Simple Gum Flap (Normal Gum Cover)
- Appearance: Small piece of gum, normal color, smooth texture.
- Condition: No pain or noticeable inflammation.
- Treatment: Good oral hygiene and antiseptic mouthwash; usually disappears naturally.
Inflamed Gum Tissue (Pericoronitis)
- Appearance: Swollen, red or purplish flap; may have slight pus.
- Symptoms: Severe pain, bad breath, difficulty chewing or opening the mouth.
- Treatment: Antibiotics + pain relievers + antiseptic mouthwash; dentist may remove excess gum tissue once inflammation subsides.
Chronic Swollen Gum Tissue
- Appearance: Larger, thickened flap that traps food debris.
- Symptoms: Mild or intermittent pain, strong bad breath.
- Treatment: Laser or minor surgical removal of excess gum tissue to prevent recurrence.
Gum Tissue From Impacted or Partially Erupted Tooth
- Appearance: Located beside or above a tilted tooth.
- Symptoms: Recurrent pain and inflammation in the same area.
- Treatment: X-rays to determine whether to remove the flap only or extract the wisdom tooth if it causes repeated issues.
False Gum Growth / Gingival Tumor (Very Rare)
- Caused by medication (e.g., for epilepsy or heart conditions), chronic inflammation, or repeated irritation from a tilted tooth.
- Treatment: Precise examination and surgical removal of excess tissue, usually sent for pathological analysis.

Causes of Gum Tissue Over the Wisdom Tooth

Partially Erupted Tooth: The most common cause; a partially covered tooth traps food and bacteria, causing inflammation.
Limited Jaw Space: Small jaw size can cause the tooth to emerge at an angle or partially, leading to gum flap formation.
Repeated Gum Infections: Recurring infections lead to thickened, inflamed gum tissue.
Food Debris Accumulation: Hard-to-clean areas at the back of the mouth trap food, triggering swelling.
Weak Immunity or Poor Oral Hygiene: Weakened gums are more prone to inflammation and flap formation.

Gum Flap in Children

Sometimes a small flap or cyst appears over a child's emerging tooth. This is called an eruption cyst and is usually harmless, disappearing on its own once the tooth erupts.

Causes:

Fluid accumulation around the new tooth.
Natural adaptation of the gum as the tooth erupts.

Treatment: Usually none is needed unless infection or pain occurs.

Gum Tissue Over a Broken Tooth

When a tooth is broken or deeply decayed, inflamed gum tissue may protrude from the tooth, known as chronic hyperplastic pulpitis.

Causes:

Deep cavities exposing the pulp.
Trauma or fracture exposing the pulp.
Food debris or irritants causing tissue growth.
Hormonal changes or exaggerated immune response.

Stages of Gum Tissue Over the Wisdom Tooth

Initial Stage (Gum Cover):
- Mild tension or itchiness, no pain.
- Treatment: Good oral hygiene and antiseptic mouthwash.
Mild Inflammation:
- Slight redness and swelling, mild discomfort when chewing.
- Treatment: Antiseptic mouthwash, mild painkillers, clean after meals.
Moderate to Severe Inflammation (Pericoronitis):
- Intense pain, pus discharge, bad breath, difficulty opening the mouth.
- Treatment: Strong antibiotics, painkillers, antiseptic mouthwash, minor incision for drainage.
Chronic / Recurrent Stage:
- Thickened, drooping gum flap, intermittent pain, persistent bad breath.
- Treatment: Laser or minor surgery to remove excess tissue; extraction of the wisdom tooth if necessary.
Complications (Neglected Cases):
- Infection may spread to jaw or lymph nodes, causing swelling, fever, severe pain, difficulty swallowing or speaking.
- Treatment: Strong antibiotics, drainage of abscess, gum tissue removal or tooth extraction after inflammation subsides.

Symptoms of Gum Tissue Over the Wisdom Tooth

Pain at the back of the jaw, sometimes radiating to the ear or neck.
Swelling around the tooth, red or purplish gum flap.
Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth.
Bad breath or unpleasant taste due to trapped food debris.
Pus discharge or minor bleeding.
Swelling in the cheek or jaw if infection spreads.

7. Headache or General Fatigue

Persistent pain can cause a headache on the same side as the jaw, sometimes accompanied by mild fever or a feeling of fatigue.

⚠️ 8. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Small lymph nodes under the jaw or near the neck may become slightly swollen. This is a normal response of the body to fight the infection.

⚠️ Risks of Gum Tissue Over the Wisdom Tooth

While the gum tissue over a wisdom tooth may seem minor at first, leaving it untreated can lead to serious problems. Here are the main risks:

1️⃣ Recurrent Gum Infections (Chronic Pericoronitis)
The flap provides a perfect spot for bacteria and food debris to accumulate, causing repeated inflammation.

Consequences:

Recurring pain
Swelling
Difficulty chewing or speaking
If untreated, the infection may spread deeper into the jaw.

2️⃣ Abscess Formation Under the Gum
Bacteria can penetrate the tissues, forming a painful pus-filled abscess.

Symptoms:

Noticeable swelling in the cheek or jaw
Fever
Difficulty swallowing or opening the mouth

Treatment: Medical intervention to drain pus + strong antibiotics.

3️⃣ Infection Spreading to Adjacent Teeth
The inflammation may affect neighboring teeth.

Consequences:

Bone loss around the teeth
Weakening of adjacent tooth roots
Possible need for root canal treatment or extraction.

4️⃣ Chronic Bad Breath
Bacteria and pus under the gum flap cause persistent bad breath, even with regular brushing. This can affect self-confidence and daily interactions.

5️⃣ Difficulty Opening the Mouth or Chewing (Trismus)
If inflammation reaches the jaw muscles or temporomandibular joint, it may limit mouth opening. This condition is called Trismus and requires prompt medical attention.

6️⃣ Spread of Infection to Facial or Neck Tissues
In severely neglected cases, the infection may extend to deep tissues under the jaw, posing a risk to breathing or swallowing. Hospitalization and IV antibiotics may be required.

7️⃣ Permanent Damage to Gums or Bone
Repeated inflammation around the wisdom tooth can cause bone loss, affecting the stability of adjacent teeth.

8️⃣ Need for Wisdom Tooth Extraction or Gum Flap Removal
If infections are recurrent and there is limited jaw space, the dentist may need to:

Extract the wisdom tooth completely
Or remove the excess gum tissue permanently

Diagnosis of Gum Tissue Over the Wisdom Tooth

Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the inflammation level and appropriate treatment. It usually involves:

1️⃣ Direct Clinical Examination (Visual and Oral)
The dentist examines the gum around the wisdom tooth, checking for:

Redness or swelling
Pain on touch
Pus or minor bleeding
Gum flap covering part of the tooth

This helps distinguish between:

A normal gum flap
Inflammation (Pericoronitis)

2️⃣ Pain and Movement Tests
The dentist gently touches the area or uses a small instrument to assess pain response:

Severe pain or deep swelling → possible abscess or advanced infection
Limited mouth opening → advanced inflammation

3️⃣ X-ray or Panoramic Imaging
Essential for:

Assessing the position of the wisdom tooth (straight or tilted)
Detecting abscesses or bone inflammation
Determining if there is enough space for the tooth or if removal is needed

Helps decide: Treatment for the gum flap alone or wisdom tooth extraction.

4️⃣ Microbial Test (in Severe Cases)
If pus or recurrent infection is present, a sample may be taken to identify the bacteria and select the appropriate antibiotic.

5️⃣ Biopsy (Rare Cases)
If the gum flap appears abnormal, changes color, or grows rapidly, a small tissue sample may be examined under a microscope to rule out abnormal growth or tumors.

6️⃣ Comprehensive Oral Assessment
The dentist also evaluates:

Other affected teeth
Oral hygiene or cavities
Whether the wisdom tooth needs extraction or can be preserved

How to Manage Gum Tissue Over the Wisdom Tooth at Home

While a dentist appointment is essential, you can take steps to temporarily relieve symptoms:

1️⃣ Maintain Oral Hygiene
Brush at least twice daily with a soft toothbrush, focusing on the gum flap area to prevent bacterial buildup.

2️⃣ Saltwater Rinse
Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse 3–4 times daily to reduce inflammation and disinfect the mouth.
You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash.

3️⃣ Pain Relief
Use painkillers like ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.

4️⃣ Avoid Hard Foods
Hard foods can irritate the gum flap and worsen pain. Eat soft foods like:

Pudding
Yogurt
Soups
Mashed foods

5️⃣ Cold Compress
Apply a clean, cold, damp cloth to the affected area for about 15 minutes to relieve pain.

6️⃣ Avoid Smoking

Smoking increases inflammation and makes the gum flap more painful, so it is best to avoid it temporarily.

Treatment of Gum Tissue Over the Wisdom Tooth According to Its Type (Medications)

Treatment depends on the condition of the gum flap and the severity of inflammation. Here’s a summary based on type:

1️⃣ Simple, Non-Inflamed Gum Flap
A small piece of gum covering part of the tooth, without pain or pus.

Treatment:

Antiseptic mouthwash such as Chlorhexidine 0.12% or 0.2% twice daily after meals.
Thorough brushing and cleaning of the area.
Saltwater rinse twice daily.

Goal: Prevent inflammation and food accumulation under the flap.

2️⃣ Moderate Inflammation or Mild Pain (Pericoronitis)

Medication Treatment:

Antibiotics:
- Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid (Augmentin 1g every 12 hours for 5–7 days)
- If allergic to penicillin → Clindamycin 300mg every 8 hours
Pain relief / anti-inflammatory:
- Ibuprofen 400–600mg every 8 hours after meals
- Or Diclofenac Potassium (Cataflam) every 8 hours
Mouthwash: Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% twice daily

Goal: Calm inflammation, reduce swelling, and disinfect the area.

3️⃣ Severely Inflamed Gum or Abscess
Symptoms may include:

Severe pain
Difficulty opening the mouth
Swelling in the cheek
Pus discharge

Treatment:

Strong antibiotics: Augmentin 1g every 12 hours for 7–10 days or Clindamycin 300mg every 8 hours
Strong painkillers like Brufen 600mg or Voltaren
Continuous antiseptic mouthwash

If abscess is large: The dentist may drain the pus.
After inflammation subsides, the dentist may decide on:

Operculectomy (surgical removal of gum flap)
Wisdom tooth extraction if it is the cause and there is no space

4️⃣ Chronic or Recurrent Cases
For patients with repeated issues:

X-rays are taken to assess the tooth’s position.
If the tooth is tilted or pressing on the neighboring tooth → extraction.
If the tooth position is normal but the flap traps bacteria → excess gum tissue removed via laser or minor surgery.

Surgical Treatment of Gum Tissue Over the Wisdom Tooth by Type

1️⃣ Partially Inflamed Gum (Pericoronitis)

Most common type; occurs when the gum covering part of the wisdom tooth is slightly inflamed.

Surgical Treatment:

Clean the area thoroughly and remove food debris.
Minor incision with a laser or scalpel to remove excess gum.
Local anesthesia; procedure takes about 10–15 minutes.

Post-Procedure Care:

Antiseptic mouthwash
Mild antibiotics if mild inflammation persists

2️⃣ Thickened or Overgrown Gum Tissue

Excess gum tissue that may recur if not removed properly.

Surgical Treatment:

Laser or electrocautery removal of excess tissue with precision and minimal bleeding.
Sometimes the gum edge is smoothed to prevent regrowth.
Laser advantage: Less bleeding and faster healing.

3️⃣ Gum With Abscess or Pus (Infected Operculum)

Pus accumulation under the gum flap.

Surgical Treatment:

Open the gum flap to drain pus and clean the area.
After inflammation subsides, remove excess gum to prevent recurrence.
If the wisdom tooth is the cause (tilted or partially erupted), extraction may be necessary.

4️⃣ Fibrous or Suspicious Tissue (Rare Cases)