Finding an unexpected bump on a tooth can be a surprising and sometimes concerning experience. Many causes for these dental irregularities are benign and pose no serious threat. Understanding their potential origins helps determine if professional dental attention is necessary. This article clarifies various types of tooth bumps and guides individuals on appropriate next steps.
Understanding Different Types of Bumps
Dental calculus, often called tartar, is a common reason for a tooth bump. This hardened deposit forms when plaque, a sticky bacterial film, is not adequately removed through daily brushing and flossing. Calculus appears as yellow, brown, or dark deposits, typically near the gumline or between teeth, and feels rough. Unlike soft plaque, calculus is firmly attached and requires professional dental cleaning.
An enamel pearl is another dental irregularity, a small, round nodule of enamel found on the root surface of a tooth. These pearls are most frequently located in the root furcation area of molars. While generally asymptomatic, enamel pearls are developmental variations composed primarily of enamel, though some may contain a core of dentin.
Benign bony growths known as tori can appear as bumps on or near teeth. Torus palatinus occurs on the hard palate, while torus mandibularis appears on the lower jawbone, often near the premolar teeth. These growths are hard, have a smooth surface, and vary in size and shape, growing slowly over time. Oral tori are harmless and painless, often discovered incidentally during a dental examination.
Swelling from a dental infection, such as an abscess or cyst, can manifest as a bump. A dental abscess is a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection, often appearing as a red, swollen bump or pimple on the gums near the affected tooth. These infections can cause throbbing pain, temperature sensitivity, and jaw or facial swelling. A dental cyst, a fluid-filled sac, forms in the jawbone or around tooth roots due to infection or inflammation. Infected cysts cause inflammation, swelling, and pain; uninfected ones may remain symptom-free until noticeable.
Trauma to a tooth can result in irregularities or bumps, including chips, fractures, or sharp edges. Crown fractures, breaks in the visible part of the tooth, range from minor chips affecting only enamel to deeper fractures extending into dentin or pulp. Such injuries can create sharp surfaces that may irritate the tongue or other soft tissues.
When to Seek Professional Dental Advice
Seek dental advice if a tooth bump causes pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or discomfort when chewing. Persistent throbbing or sharp pain, possibly radiating to the jaw, neck, or ear, warrants immediate evaluation. Any noticeable swelling in the face or jaw, or a red, swollen bump on the gums, suggests a potential infection requiring prompt attention.
Consult a dentist if the bump grows, changes color, or drains pus. Difficulty opening the mouth, a bitter taste, or bad breath not improving with oral hygiene also indicate a need for assessment. Even if painless, seek dental advice if it interferes with chewing, speech, or dental appliances, or if its origin is unknown.
Professional Diagnosis and Treatment
When visiting a dentist for a tooth bump, diagnosis begins with a thorough visual examination of the oral cavity. The dentist assesses the bump’s size, location, color, and texture, and checks for associated swelling or tenderness. This initial assessment helps narrow down potential causes.
Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, evaluates the underlying structures of the tooth and jawbone. X-rays reveal issues not visible visually, such as bone loss, root fractures, or cysts or abscesses within the bone. For complex cases or to assess infection extent, advanced imaging like a CBCT scan might be recommended for a detailed three-dimensional view.
Treatment options for tooth bumps vary depending on the underlying cause. Dental calculus requires professional dental cleaning, known as scaling, to remove hardened deposits. Problematic enamel pearls may require surgical removal or odontoplasty. Tori do not require treatment unless they interfere with oral function or denture placement, in which case surgical reduction may be considered.
For dental infections like abscesses or cysts, treatment focuses on eliminating the infection and addressing its source. This may involve draining pus from an abscess, root canal therapy for an infected tooth, or surgical removal of a cyst. If the bump results from trauma, such as a chip or fracture, the tooth may be repaired with bonding, veneers, or a crown, depending on damage severity.