Pericoronaritis: What is it and how is it treated?

What is pericoronaritis?

Pericoronaritis is an inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the crown of a partially erupted tooth, usually a third molar (wisdom tooth). It occurs when the tooth fails to erupt completely, leaving a layer of gum over it, creating a space where bacteria, food debris and dental plaque accumulate.

Causes of pericoronaritis

  • Impacted or partially erupted teeth.
  • Poor oral hygiene.
  • Trauma or irritation of the gum.

Symptoms of pericoronaritis

  • Pain around the affected tooth.
  • Inflammation and redness of the gum.
  • Difficulty opening the mouth (trismus).
  • Bad breath (halitosis).
  • Unpleasant taste in the mouth.
  • Fever (in more severe cases).

Prevention of pericoronaritis

  • Maintain good oral hygiene.
  • Perform periodic dental check-ups.
  • Treat any signs of inflammation or infection early.

Steps for treatment

Conservative treatment:

  • Strict oral hygiene: Gentle brushing and flossing.
  • Mouthwashes: With salt water or antiseptics such as chlorhexidine.
  • Medications: Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Antibiotics: In cases of severe infection or spread of infection.

Dental intervention:

  • Professional cleaning: The dentist can clean the affected area to remove food debris and bacteria.
  • Tooth extraction: If the tooth is badly impacted or does not have enough space to erupt properly.
  • Minor surgery: Removal of the gum flap (operculectomy) if inflammation is recurrent.