Pericoronitis: What It Is and How It Is Treated

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Vutala Prathyusha , Dentists

Causes
Find a Doctor
Diagnosis
Treatment
FAQs
Book an Appointment

1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Pericoronitis occurs when the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth becomes inflamed. This condition typically arises when a wisdom tooth does not fully emerge through the gums, leaving a flap of tissue that can trap food and bacteria, leading to inflammation or infection. Poor oral hygiene, inadequate space for the tooth to erupt properly, or the tooth erupting at an angle can contribute to pericoronitis. It can cause discomfort, swelling, and pain in the affected area.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups can help reduce the risk of developing pericoronitis. Early dental care can also help prevent the condition from worsening or recurring.

What are the Types of Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis can be classified based on how it develops and how long the inflammation lasts. The main types include:

Acute pericoronitis: A sudden and often painful inflammation that may occur when food particles and bacteria become trapped under the gum flap covering a partially erupted tooth.
Chronic pericoronitis: A recurring or low-grade inflammation that may cause intermittent pain, swelling, or occasional pus discharge.
Subacute pericoronitis: A form with symptoms that are generally less severe than acute pericoronitis but may worsen without treatment.
Recurrent pericoronitis: Multiple episodes of inflammation involving the same partially erupted tooth, often requiring definitive dental treatment to prevent recurrence.

What are the Symptoms of Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis typically presents with symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty opening the mouth fully. You may also experience a bad taste in your mouth, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and fever in more severe cases.

The affected area around a partially erupted tooth can collect food particles and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection. Common symptoms include:

Swelling of the gums around a partially erupted wisdom tooth
Pain or tenderness in the affected area, especially when chewing or biting
Bad taste or foul odor in the mouth
Difficulty opening the mouth fully due to swelling and pain
Pus discharge from the affected area in more severe cases
Fever or swollen lymph nodes when the infection is more extensive

What are the Causes of Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis usually develops when bacteria and food debris become trapped beneath the gum flap covering a partially erupted tooth. The position of the tooth may create an area that is difficult to clean, allowing bacteria to accumulate and cause inflammation or infection.

Several factors can contribute to the development of pericoronitis:

Poor oral hygiene: Inadequate brushing and cleaning around partially erupted wisdom teeth can allow bacteria and food debris to accumulate.
Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth: A tooth that does not fully emerge can leave a gum flap where food particles and bacteria become trapped.
Trauma: Biting or rubbing the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth can trigger inflammation and infection.
Crowding or improper tooth positioning: Limited space or an abnormal eruption angle can make the area difficult to clean and increase the risk of pericoronitis.
Weakened immune system or underlying medical conditions: These factors may make some individuals more susceptible to oral infections.

When to See a Doctor?

Seek dental care if you experience symptoms of gum inflammation around a partially erupted tooth that may indicate pericoronitis.

Pain, swelling, or redness around a wisdom tooth
Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
Bad taste, foul odor, or discomfort in the affected area

Get medical help immediately if:

Severe swelling affecting the jaw or face
Fever with worsening pain or signs of infection
Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Prompt dental evaluation is important to treat pericoronitis effectively and prevent the spread of infection.

Find Dentists for Pericoronitis Treatment Near You

How Is Pericoronitis Diagnosed?

Pericoronitis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation and, when necessary, dental imaging. During the examination, a dentist assesses the gum tissue around the partially erupted tooth for signs of inflammation, swelling, redness, tenderness, and infection.

Clinical examination: The dentist examines the affected area for swelling, redness, pain, pus, and other signs of inflammation.
Assessment of the tooth position: The position and degree of eruption of the wisdom tooth are evaluated to identify factors contributing to the condition.
Dental X-rays: X-rays may be used to assess the position of an impacted tooth and identify associated dental or bone problems.
Dental CT scan: In selected cases, a dental CT scan may provide a more detailed view of the tooth and surrounding structures.
Laboratory tests: These are not usually required but may be considered when systemic symptoms or a significant infection is present.

What are the Treatment Options for Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth, most commonly a lower wisdom tooth. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling infection, relieving pain, and preventing recurrence.

Early treatment can help prevent complications such as abscess formation or the spread of infection. Treatment options may include:

Oral hygiene and local cleaning: Professional cleaning by a dentist and careful removal of trapped food and bacteria under the gum flap (operculum) help reduce inflammation.
Pain management: Over-the-counter analgesics or prescribed medications can help relieve pain and swelling.
Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics may be prescribed when there is significant infection, swelling, or systemic symptoms.
Warm saltwater rinses: Regular rinsing can soothe the gums and help reduce inflammation.
Irrigation and debridement: Flushing and cleaning the affected area can help remove debris and reduce bacterial buildup.

In severe or recurrent cases, more definitive treatment may be required:

Operculectomy: Surgical removal of the gum flap covering the partially erupted tooth may help prevent repeated inflammation and infection.
Tooth extraction: Removal of the affected wisdom tooth may be recommended when pericoronitis recurs or there is insufficient space for proper eruption.

Seeking prompt dental care is important to manage pericoronitis, prevent complications, and maintain oral health.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Consult Pericoronitis Doctors Today

What are the Risk Factors of Pericoronitis?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing pericoronitis. These include poor oral hygiene, impacted wisdom teeth, crowding or misalignment of teeth, and difficulty cleaning around a partially erupted tooth.

Smoking or tobacco use and a history of recurrent oral infections may also increase the risk of inflammation and infection around a partially erupted tooth.