PERICORONITIS

 WHAT IS PERICORONITIS:

                                               It refers to swelling & infection of gum tissues around the wisdom teeth, the third & final set of molars.Most commonly noticed around the lower third molars.

 

CAUSES OF PERICORONITIS:  

This occurs around a wisdom tooth that has failed to erupt or has only partially erupted. 

A partially erupted wisdom tooth can leave a flap of gum tissue that collects food particles & other debris , which acts as a ideal breading ground for bacteria.

Trauma caused to the soft tissue flap in mandibular 3rd molars by the cusps of the opposing maxillary 3rd molar.

SYMPTOMS:

1.The overlying soft tissue shows 4 signs of inflammation namely, pain,redness, swelling & warmth.

2. Trismus.

3. Chills, fever, malaise & halitosis are present.

4. Painful, swollen gum tissue near the affected tooth with/ without pus discharge will be seen.

5. In certain cases swelling in that part of face, swollen lymph nodes & jaw spasms are also noted.

TREATMENT:

1. CONSERVATIVE METHOD:  Management of pain & resolving the pericoronal inflammation or infection .

2. SURGICAL REMOVAL OF OVERLYING FLAP: Minor surgery to remove the overlapping gingival tissue (OPERCULECTOMY).This is to be done when the molars can be useful for chewing & there is a desire to keep the tooth, minor oral surgery can be performed to remove the operculum. This will allow better access to properly clean the area & prevent the accumulation of bacteria & food debris.

3.SURGICAL REMOVAL OF TOOTH