What is this?

[Mdaab]

On Thursday, the gum behind the back bottom molar swelled and was very painful. The swelling and pain have significantly receded in the last 24 hrs (photo is from just now). Is this anything to be concerned about or is it just the tooth finally breaking through?

Thanks!

 

[Dr M]

Sounds like pericoronitis. If this is a recurring problem,I would recommend removing the wisdom tooth.

 

[MattKW]

Lack of jaw length to accommodate the erupted wisdom tooth. Causes a "bunching" of the gum tissue and an area ripe for recurrent pericoronitis (as per Dr M). Get it pulled, and any others like it.

 

[Mdaab]

Great, thanks for your help. It’s the first time it has happened. Anything I should be doing before seeing my dentist? For various reasons, it may be a little while before I can see them.

 

[MattKW]

No. Just keep it clean as best you can - they can become easily infected and inflamed.