Expert Article: Pericoronitis, An Unfamiliar But Agonizing Dental Issue

The term pericoronitis refers to inflamed and painful gums around a tooth. Typically, it affects a lower wisdom tooth that has become impacted. The condition is frequently ignored, and the consulting dentist rarely explains it. If not treated promptly, it can become a nuisance.

What happens in pericoronitis?

A fully erupted tooth does not develop pericoronitis. A flap of gum called an operculum covers a partially erupted tooth, such as an impacted wisdom tooth. The tooth is partially visible and partly hidden inside the operculum.

A tooth bud rests in a cavity called a follicle before the eruption. When a tooth is impacted, a direct link is established between the follicle and the mouth. As a result, food and debris easily enter the follicle, causing infection. If the infection spreads to the operculum, pericoronitis can occur, causing pain and swelling.

Factors that trigger pericoronitis:

• Poor oral hygiene.
• Stress.
• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy.
• Age: 20s.
• Infections of the throat.

Pericoronitis symptoms:

• A dull ache in the affected jaw can become severe and acute at times.
• The operculum is inflamed and swollen.
• Chewing is a challenge.
• There is a headache and earache on the affected side.
• Bad breath and a mildly salty taste in the mouth.
• It could ooze pus if left untreated.
• Infection of the throat and swollen lymph nodes are possible side effects.

Pericoronitis is diagnosed as follows:

• It is visible during a routine dental examination.
• Radiographs
• The patient complains of pain and discomfort.

Pericoronitis treatment:

• Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are taken orally.
• Operculectomy is a minor surgical procedure that reshapes the operculum to prevent food from becoming trapped beneath it.
• Extraction entails removing the impacted tooth and reshaping the operculum to remove the causative factor.

Prevent pericoronitis at home with these DIY guidelines:

If you have an affected lower wisdom tooth, you won’t be able to avoid pericoronitis. You can only delay it. You can do so in a variety of ways, including:

• Brush the area thoroughly.
• Food debris should not be allowed to accumulate.
• To remove all debris, use a water flosser.
• Rinse with a warm water solution containing a pinch of salt.
• Keep your fingers away from the affected area.
• Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory drugs are examples of medications.

Is it possible for pericoronitis to heal on its own?

Unfortunately, no!

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Saltwater rinses and antibiotics can temporarily relieve it, but it has a high recurrence rate.

Conclusion:

I’m sure many of you have already begun to rethink that dentist’s appointment you’ve been putting off. Pericoronitis is a chronic condition that should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further discomfort.

Story first published: Saturday, July 2, 2022, 9:15 [IST]

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