Pericoronitis
Introduction to pericoronitis
Pericoronitis is a dental disorder in which the gum tissue around the molar
teeth becomes swollen and infected. This disorder usually occurs as a result of
wisdom teeth, the third and final set of molars that most people get in their
late teens or early twenties.
What Causes Pericoronitis?
Pericoronitis can develop when wisdom teeth only partially erupt (break
through the gum). This allows an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth
and cause an infection. In cases of pericoronitis, food or plaque (a bacterial
film that remains on teeth after eating) may get caught underneath a flap of gum
around the tooth. If it remains there, it can irritate the gum and lead to
pericoronitis. If the pericoronitis is severe, the swelling and infection may
extend beyond the jaw to the cheeks and neck.
What Are the Symptoms of Pericoronitis?
- Pain Infection
- Swelling in the gum tissue (caused by an accumulation of
fluid)
- A "bad taste" in the mouth (caused by pus leaking from the gums)
- Swelling
of the lymph nodes in the neck
- Difficulty opening the mouth.
How Is Pericoronitis Diagnosed?
Your dentist will examine your wisdom teeth and how they are coming in, and
see if any are partially erupted. He or she may take an X-ray periodically to
determine the alignment of the wisdom teeth. Your dentist will also take note of
any symptoms such as swelling or infection, and will check for the presence of a
gum flap around a wisdom tooth.
How Is Pericoronitis Treated?
If the pericoronitis is limited to the tooth (for example, if the pain and
swelling has not spread), treat it by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
You should also make sure that the gum flap has no food trapped under it.
If your tooth and jaw or cheek are swollen and painful, you should see your
dentist right away. He or she can treat the infection with antibiotics (usually
penicillin, unless you are allergic). You can also take pain relievers such as
aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. The dentist may also prescribe a pain
medication.
If the pain and inflammation are severe, or if the pericoronitis recurs, you
will need oral surgery to have the gum flap or wisdom tooth removed. Your
dentist can make the appropriate referral to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry.
Edited by
Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, WebMD, March 2005.
Portions of this page ©
Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005
Last Editorial Review: 5/24/2005
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