About Miguel Rodriguez, DDS, MBA Expertise Questions regarding general dentistry can be answered in laymans's terms for anyone who wishes to understand what dental procedures are all about. Also, for all you CSI fans out there, my Doctor's thesis was on forensic dentistry, so do not hesitate to ask anything regarding this topic in particular.
Consultas también en español.
If you want quick instant explanations of most dental procedures and conditions and can't wait for my reply, I recommend checking out this website: http://animatedtooth.com/
Experience A few years of private practice and experience in management of dental clinics.
Education/Credentials Some assistance to Doctors in the faculty while I was still studying.
Expert: Miguel Rodriguez, DDS, MBA Date: 1/25/2008 Subject: gum swelling
Question QUESTION: I recently had a crown replaced and now a couple of months later, my gum has a bump over the tooth that was crowned. It feels hard like a cyst but does not hurt to push on but is slightly sensitive.
ANSWER: It is possible that the crown edges are too long and are irritating the gumline. When gums are irritated chronically, a fibrosis may occur, which develops similarly as callosities show up on hands due to friction from heavy manual labor.
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QUESTION: This is more of a bump high on the gum line close to the top of the jaw. Also there is no irritation around the gum line with the tooth.
ANSWER: Hmmm. This might need further looking into. How long have you had it for?
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QUESTION: I have had the bump for more than a couple of months. Started small and I really thought it would go away as it was soft and I thought it was fluid that would disappear. But now it has hardened. The skin around it is soft. It does not hurt to push on it, but it is tender. I also thought it might be a cyst or abbsess (sic) but no infection present or temp rise.
Answer It is some sort of cyst. You should have this checked as soon as you can because some cysts may become malignant or, if infected, can give you loads of problems.
X-rays are the first things that should be taken to determine if this bump is part of something that is destroying bone. If this possibility is discarded, then we may be looking at a soft tissue cyst of a blocked salivary gland or similar.
Last, I do remind you that my interpretations are solely based on what you describe to me, so a clinical appraisal by another professional should be sought.
