Pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is inflammation of the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth, most commonly wisdom teeth.
Symptoms
- Swollen gum flap over tooth
- Pain and difficulty chewing
- Bad taste or smell
- Difficulty opening mouth
Causes
- Partially erupted wisdom tooth
- Food trapped under gum flap
- Bacteria accumulation
Recommended Treatments
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction removes third molars that are impacted, infected, or causing crowding. It's one of the most common oral surgery procedures, typically performed in the late teens or early twenties.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
Surgical extraction is needed for teeth that cannot be easily accessed, such as broken teeth, impacted teeth, or teeth with curved roots. It involves making an incision in the gum tissue.
FAQ
Does pericoronitis go away on its own?
Symptoms may temporarily improve but tend to recur until the underlying cause is addressed.
How is pericoronitis treated?
Treatment includes irrigation, antibiotics if infected, and often extraction of the wisdom tooth.