Book an Appointment
Emergency: 022-61305005
I want to find
My Health Records
Management Team

Pericoronitis

Overview

Pericoronitis refers to the inflammation of the gum tissues around the wisdom teeth, the last set of adult teeth that erupt; this usually happens during the late teens or early 20s. Typically, pericoronitis may occur when one or more wisdom teeth are still partially impacted (trapped) under the gum tissues. This condition is more likely to develop around the wisdom teeth in the lower jaw than in those in the upper jaw. Pericoronitis may be mild (lasting a few days) or severe (lasting several weeks).

Partial tooth impaction, i.e., the partial trapping of a tooth within the gums, which often results in the growth of bacteria and ultimately, infection and inflammation, is the main cause of pericoronitis.

The symptoms of acute pericoronitis symptoms may include:

  • Severe pain around the back teeth
  • Redness and swelling of the gums
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Trismus (lockjaw, i.e., restricted mouth opening)
  • Facial swelling
  • Pus or drainage
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

The symptoms of chronic pericoronitis may include:

  • Mild pain (often, temporary) near the back teeth
  • Halitosis (bad breath)
  • Dysgeusia (bad taste in the mouth)

The diagnosis involves the following:

  • Oral examination: The dentist reviews the medical history, symptoms, and presentation, examines the wisdom teeth, and checks for excess gum tissues.
  • Dental X-ray: The dentist may perform dental X-ray to rule out other conditions, such as tooth decay, and examine the health of the roots.

If patients develop pericoronitis-associated symptoms, such as bleeding gums, tooth pain, and related fever, they are advised to schedule a dentist appointment right away. The dentists often prescribe antibiotics to treat infections, if any, and ascertain the requirement for further treatments. If pericoronitis is not treated promptly, it may exert a domino effect, i.e., lead to the deterioration of oral and overall health.

The severity of the pericoronitis-associated inflammation influences the course of treatment recommended for each patient; the dentist may recommend normal or deep cleaning, treatment with antibiotics and/or antibacterial mouthwash, and in some cases, wisdom teeth removal.

  • Dental cleaning: The affected area is irrigated to wash out bacteria, food particles, or other debris. The use of antibiotics or an antibacterial mouthwash may also be recommended.
  • Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the pericoronitis-associated infection.
  • Pericoronitis mouthwash: A prescription mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine, a topical antiseptic, is recommended to kill harmful bacteria in the oral cavity.
  • Pericoronitis removal surgery: In many cases, removal of the gum flap (operculum), which is a short oral surgery procedure, is recommended; sedation during this procedure is often unnecessary. Typically, with local anaesthesia, this procedure is completed within an hour.
  • Wisdom tooth removal: If the wisdom teeth continue to cause problems or recurrent pericoronitis, removing them may be necessary. This procedure is often performed by an oral surgeon or periodontist with or without sedation.
Bottom to top