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What Causes A Mouth Ulcer On The Gums Post Root Canal Treatment?

Posted on Wed, 24 Jun 2015

Question: Hi.

A couple of weeks ago I noticed a small mouth ulcer type of thing on my gum, close to a tooth that I had a root canal on a few weeks previous. There's no pain or discomfort.

Then a week ago I noticed that it had almost doubled in size but has changed into a skin-tag type of thing. The "tag" section starts at the same place that the original ulcer type sore ended. There's still no pain or discomfort with it - it bleeds when caught or gently rubbed but no pain. It feels like any other part of my gums, just a little raised (as expected).

I've never had anything like this before nor do I know of anyone who has so can't talk to them about it. I am a little worried and would rather not have to go to back to the dentist to get it checked so hopefully this Site helps. I will of course go to dentist if needed but I'd rather not as I finished my treatment a couple of months ago.

I have a couple of photos of it but this site is currently not showing an option to upload them (I'm on my phone so I'm sure that's why). If the photos are required then please just let me know.

Please advise. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
pus discharging sinus tract, traumatic ulcer, upload the images

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query. I have gone through your query.
As far as the ulcer what you are describing is concerned, it can be a pus dicharging sinus tract or a healing sinus tract. This can occur secondary to a tooth infection or an infection arising from an improperly treated tooth. The other possible cause can be a trauma to that area while brushing leading to traumatic ulcer.
Nothing to be panic, you can consult your dentist and get it evaluated once.
These are the possible causes and diagnosis based on the description of your problem by yourself. If you can upload the images of the lesion, i can give you exact diagnosis and treatment plan.
I hope i have answered your query. If any queries are there, then reply me back. Waiting for your images.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (31 minutes later)

Hi, thank you for your quick response. Ive been told by my dentist that i do have sensitive gums and a low level of enamel on my teeth so do you think this could also be a cause?
I use sensitive toothpaste, floss with interdental brushes and rinse with a medicated mouthwash to help keep any problems at bay.

The 2 photos ive attached were taken earlier on today.

Many thanks

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
traumatic ulcer, gum infection, medication

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback and uploading the images.
As per the images it looks like a traumatic ulcer or gum infection secondary to tooth brush injury or interdental brush. Nothing to be panic, you can use a topical analgesic with antibiotic like choline salicylate and metronidazole respectively. The lesion should heal in 5-7 days time. If the lesion is not healing, then consult a oral physician and get it evaluated. You need to take a radiograph to confirm the diagnosis.
I hope i have answered your query. If any queries are there, reply me back.

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj