Teeth on the upper gum

A tooth appearing high on the upper gum may be an erupting tooth, a retained baby tooth, an impacted tooth, or a swelling that only resembles a tooth.

The upper gum covers the alveolar bone and lies over the roots and developing teeth. Eruption follows a path through bone and gum, but crowding, extra teeth, trauma, or an abnormal position can leave a tooth partly visible or palpable above the usual row.

Do not press, cut, or try to pull the area. Arrange an examination; the dentist may inspect the bite, check mobility and gum health, and use a dental radiograph to locate the crown, roots, and nearby structures.

Seek prompt care for pain, swelling, pus, fever, bleeding, rapid change, or trouble opening the mouth. A painless bump still merits assessment if it persists or changes the position of nearby teeth.

Ask whether the structure is a tooth or soft-tissue lesion, where its roots lie, and whether observation, orthodontic guidance, removal, or another treatment is indicated.