Lump on gum.

Hi, last year I had a filling which the dentist told me was quite deep and nearing a root canal. Since then I noticed a lump very high up on my gum which caused pain when I press it. I went back to the dentist last December and they said that I’m holding onto the tooth until I need a root canal and to expect some inflammation and occasional pain. However, it has been 2 months since them and it is exactly the same as when I last visited. The lump is very hard and very high up on my gum. It doesn’t hurt them gum when I apply pressure but the tooth does hurt. The tooth also hurts when I push it. You can’t see the lump in my mouth as it is so high up but you can certainly feel it! I know I shouldn’t but everything I google about mouth cancer is usually about ulcers and patches rather than lumps but also abscesses are usually soft and very painful! I am currently waiting for an emergency dentist appointment through my dentist but I’m driving myself crazy! 
If you got through my rambling, thank you! 

  • Hello Leobob, 

    I completely understand why lumps like this on your gum can drive you a bit mad and don't worry you are not rambling and have come to the right place to meet others who may have experienced a similar lump. You are right though when you say you shouldn't Google as Google will inevitably bring up all the worst case scenarios and the least likely ones too so keep well away from the temptation to look anything up online. As it's been 2 months and you are still in pain, it's definitely a good idea to see another dentist and I hope that you won't have to wait too long for this emergency dentist appointment but I think you made the right call and it's important to have this looked at as it sounds rather uncomfortable.

    I hope you are seen soon and that it turns out to be nothing of concern. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Apologies as I know this is an old thread but I was wondering how things ended up working out for you? I’m currently experiencing something very similar and I’ve gone down the cancer rabbit hole and given myself the most terrible anxiety

  • Offline in reply to CHM92

    Hi, it was a slow growing abscess, had some antibiotics and a temp filling until I can get a root canal (pregnant) and it’s gone down loads! It did start to hurt and cause a bit of tooth ache before I got the antibiotics but yeah, all was fine! Get booked into the dentist and have them look at it

  • Offline in reply to Leobob

    Thank you so much for replying. Although I’m sure it wasn’t nice I’m glad it wasn’t anything too serious for you. I actually had a broken filling which was replaced two months ago with a temporary one and the lump is located right above that tooth so I’m hoping it’s related to that and something that can be resolved easily. I have booked in with my dentist however they can only see me in two weeks. So far no pain just a little pressure. Also congratulations on your pregnancy, wishing you all the best!

  • Offline in reply to CHM92

    Yeah mine was a filling that needed to be a root canal in the first place so I think it agitated the root and made the lump form! Also wasn’t overly painful either like you expect an abscess to be which isn’t helpful when you’re spiralling is it! I ended up ringing the emergency dentist on a weekend so I was seen the day after. Far too much of an impatient over thinker to wait, haha! 

  • Offline in reply to Leobob

    So similar with mine, the reason for the temp filling was because they were unsure on the need for a root canal so they wanted to see how it would do with a little more time, I think this lump forming is probably their answer, I’ve never had a root canal done so I’m dreading it. I think I may need to call 111 to get an emergency appointment because they’re showing little urgency and I don’t want to start getting any pain in the area. I’m also a serial overthinker, that’s what’s landed me here on this thread lol