What is the small pimple on the gum near my veneered tooth?
A recurring gum bump that drains and returns can be a tract from a deeper infection.
A small bump on the gum that swells, sometimes releases a salty taste, then shrinks and returns is often a fistula — a drainage channel from infection at the root tip. It can appear near veneered teeth when the pulp inside has quietly become infected.
Why little pain does not mean a little problem
Because the fistula drains pressure, these infections often hurt surprisingly little — which leads people to wait. Meanwhile the infection continues at the root and can slowly damage surrounding bone. The bump is only the visible end of a hidden process.
Diagnosis needs an X-ray and pulp testing; treatment is usually root canal therapy, often possible without removing the veneer. Presentation varies between individuals — some feel pressure, others nothing — so a recurring gum bump near any tooth is a clear cue to see a dentist soon.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.