A small ball of flesh growing next to the tooth is likely to be a fistula or a polyp, the former requiring root canal treatment, the latter may require surgical removal.
1. Fistula: often occurs in patients with chronic periapical inflammation, which is the drainage channel established in the apical part of the root, root canal treatment is required to remove the decayed tissues and infected pulp, and control the inflammation in the apical part of the root in order to eliminate the fistula.
2. Polyps: due to repeated stimulation, resulting in gingival epithelial hyperplasia, appearing with or without tips of meatball-like hyperplasia, usually similar in color to the gums, soft texture, painless. Surgical excision is sufficient.
In addition, some patients with gingival cancer may also present cauliflower-like meatball-like changes in the early stages. It is recommended that patients with meatballs next to their teeth should go to the stomatology department of regular hospitals as soon as possible, and be examined by physicians for clear diagnosis and symptomatic treatment.