Painful bump on gum above tooth
A painful bump above a tooth can be a gum abscess, a draining sinus tract from an infected tooth, or localized gum inflammation. It needs an examination...
The short answer
A painful bump above a tooth can be a gum abscess, a draining sinus tract from an infected tooth, or localized gum inflammation. It needs an examination because the visible bump does not identify the source by itself.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
A dental abscess is a pocket of inflammatory fluid caused by bacteria entering the pulp or tissues around a tooth. Decay, a crack, a failing filling, or advanced gum disease can allow infection to reach those tissues.
What can you do next?
Do not squeeze or puncture the bump. Rinse gently with warm water, keep the area clean, avoid chewing on it, and arrange dental assessment so the tooth and surrounding bone can be examined and imaged.
When should you seek dental care?
Arrange urgent care for increasing swelling, fever, facial swelling, worsening pain, or a bad taste with pus. Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or opening the mouth requires emergency assessment.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the bump is draining from the tooth root or gum pocket, whether an X-ray is needed, and whether treatment involves drainage, a root canal, gum treatment, or extraction.
Frequently asked questions
Could this improve without treatment?
A dental abscess is a pocket of inflammatory fluid caused by bacteria entering the pulp or tissues around a tooth.
What should I avoid?
Rinse gently with warm water, keep the area clean, avoid chewing on it, and arrange dental assessment so the tooth and surrounding bone can be examined and imaged.