Pericoronitis | Wisdom Tooth Infection

Question:

My dentist told me I had pericoronitis and that I needed to have my wisdom teeth removed.  What is pericoronitis?

Answer:

Pericoronitis refers to an infection that develops around a wisdom tooth (third molar in the back of the mouth) that’s currently erupting (pushing up through the gums into the mouth) or has yet to erupt (still under the gums and in the bone).

Wisdom teeth usually erupt between ages 17-21.  However, it is fairly common for these teeth to erupt later on in life or not even erupt at all and remain inside of your bone.

Pericoronitis occurs when an extra flap of gum tissue is created over the wisdom tooth as it’s trying to erupt.  This extra flap makes it easy for bacteria, food, or other debris to become trapped thus creating a perfect environment for a bacterial infection.

It’s critical to keep this area clean to avoid infection and other serious complications.

Symptoms of Pericoronitis

Symptoms include the following:

• Pain
• Bad Breath
• Infection, which could result in a high fever and flu-like symptoms
• Swelling in back of the mouth
• Painful, swollen gums over the tooth in question
• Difficulty to open or close
• Sensitivity over the gum tissue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pus discharge in mouth

Treatment for Pericoronitis

If you present with the above listed symptoms and feel as if you may have pericoronitis, take a trip to the dentist for further evaluation.  However, until you can make it to the dentist, follow these steps to control the infection:

• Rinses with warm saline (especially after meals) to control/eliminate the growth of bacteria
• Constant brushing and flossing of the area (if the tooth is erupting) to prevent the buildup of debris and bacteria
• Pain relievers like Tylenol or Aleve

Once you are able to visit the dentist, this condition can be easily treated with the following options

• Prescription for antibiotics
• Extraction of the tooth in question (If erupting improperly)
• Removal of the extra gum tissue

Keep in mind that any infection brings risks.  Try to control the infection on your own but be sure to visit the dentist as soon as possible for further evaluation and treatment.

Good luck,

SaveMySmile Team

Pericoronitis Treatment

Question:

If we decide to extract the recurrent pericoronitis tooth [should we] give antibiotic before the extraction or after the extraction of tooth?
ThankYou

Answer:

Pericoronitis, infection of the soft tissue typically around the crown of an impacted tooth, usually has a tendency to recur if the causative agent (the tooth) isn’t removed.  The tooth should not be removed until all signs and symptoms of the pericoronitis have been resolved.  If not, incidence of postoperative complications, specifically postoperative infection and dry socket, are highly increased.  However, some sources indicate that IF the pericoronitis is mild, and if the tooth can be easily removed, than an immediate extraction may be performed.  In the end, the recommendation is to treat the pericoronitis, then proceed with the extraction.

Hope this helps and good luck,

SaveMySmile Team