Recurring pericoronitis associated with Impacted Tooth

Pericoronitis is a recurring condition in case the wisdom tooth is impacted. Pericoronitis is a term referring to the infection that can occur in the tissues surrounding the impacted tooth that has not yet emerged into its full position correctly (partially erupted tooth).

The gum tissue is normally attached on all teeth to the same level, i.e., if a part of the wisdom tooth has penetrated through the gums, it will create an opening connecting the space between gums and crown of the submerged wisdom tooth and mouth. The crown part refers to the non-root portion that is normally visible over the gum line. In any teeth, gum tissue will not be attached to this crown part.

Dental plaque is more likely to accumulate in the above said space and since this space is not reachable, it is tough for that area to be cleaned by a person. In due course, this plaque attracts bacteria and serves to be a good breeding place for them, thus leading to an infection that can later spread on to the surrounding tissues. This condition is referred to as pericoronitis.

The symptoms of pericoronitis are mostly
• Tenderness
• Swelling in the surrounding gum tissue or the lymph nodes
• Severe pain
• Unpleasant mouth odor
• Sometimes a bad taste from the infected portion and even pus leaking from that part
• Difficulty in opening your mouth
• In severe cases, swelling spreads to cheek, jaw and neck.

Persons with pericoronitis must immediately consult their dentist. The dentist will examine the development of wisdom teeth. In case of the presence of partially erupted teeth, several x rays may be asked to be taken for a longer period to have a constant check the alignment of wisdom teeth. The dentist may also typically check if there are any signs of gum flaps and observe if there are any infected or swollen areas.

The condition of pericoronitis can occur even during the normal eruption of the wisdom tooth. The dentist must be able to diagnose if the condition has arisen due to impacted wisdom teeth or during the normal transition phase. Pericoronitis is a recurring phenomenon and hence it is necessary to be careful.

If the pain or swelling has not spread, pericoronitis can be just treated by regular rinsing of mouth using warm salt water. It is important to make sure that food particles do not get trapped in the gum flap. In order to maintain this, the dentist may show methods by which these food particles can be flushed out from that space.

If the swelling has spread into any other part, then it is most critical and you must meet your dentist as soon as possible. In these cases, the dentist prescribes antibiotics. Pain can be managed using painkillers like ibuprofen or even aspirin. In severe cases, stronger dose medication recommended by the dentist is good than the over the counter drugs. Oral surgery may be necessary since pericoronitis is a recurring condition.