It is known as pericoronitis, the inflammation of the tissue that covers the crown or the part that protrudes from the tooth and can be caused by the wrong position of a tooth with incomplete eruption, frequently the third molars, or by the increase of the bacterial flora. Mostly, this inflammation is seen in adolescents or young adults, regardless of sex.
The symptoms of pericoronitis will depend on how advanced the inflammation is; the main symptoms that arise from this condition are sharp pains when chewing or difficulty opening the mouth, the soft tissue that covers part of the tooth is reddened, and possible bleeding, it can have pain in the ear and tonsils.
As pericoronitis progresses, the symptoms will become more acute, and the treatment will be more exhaustive, so it is necessary to see a doctor at the first discomfort. Otherwise, it can lead to more significant complications, such as infections in which it is compromised: bone tissue, mucosa, and other soft tissues. Therefore, in this FastlyHealarticle, we inform you everything you need to know about the causes and treatment of pericoronitis.
Table of Contents
Causes of pericoronitis
The leading cause of pericoronitis is bacterial proliferation in the pericoronal region, that is, in the tissue covering the molar crown. Other causes are as follows:
- The accumulation of food scraps.
- The humidity that is generated.
- The darkness makes it an ideal medium for its development.
- Another reason why pericoronitis can occur is operculate; this happens when the tooth, usually the third molar or wisdom tooth, does not come out entirely and causes inflammation in the soft tissue that covers the occlusal or upper surface of the molar.
- When the third molar in the eruption process has a horizontal inclination, the periodontal tissue of the second molar can be affected; when it becomes inflamed, it leaves a space or pocket in which food remains can accumulate and further promote pericoronitis.
On the other hand, it has been observed that certain fickle conditions increase the probability of suffering from this inflammation of the periodontal tissue, for example, in patients with upper respiratory infections, pregnancy, or emotional stress, among others.
Symptoms of pericoronitis
The following symptoms characterize Pericoronitis:
- Inflammation of the gums due to the accumulation of fluid.
- Sharp pain
- Fever.
- Lousy breath due to collection of pus.
- Badmouth taste.
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing.
- Swollen glands in the neck.
Treatment for pericoronitis
The progress of pericoronitis can be variable, evolving to a more severe degree of the mild state prolonging. Sometimes when this condition starts, it can disappear with good oral hygiene and complementing with a warm salt water rinse.
However, a dentist must review the condition of pericoronitis; he is the only one who can prescribe treatment to combat it, and the sooner help is sought, the shorter the recovery time and less distressing for the patient.
To begin treating the condition, your doctor can perform a mouth cleaning and drainage with serum or a disinfectant substance, giving you instructions for following up on this cleaning at home.
When the infection is more acute or has spread to other areas, it can be counteracted with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and analgesics, commonly with penicillin or ibuprofen. Still, it will be the doctor who will indicate the appropriate dose.
On the other hand, in severe cases of pericoronitis, when pain, inflammation, and other symptoms have worsened, it is treated with surgery. Generally, improvement is seen by removing the tissue that covers part of the crown of the molar, which is usually damaged and infected. Especially if the opposite teeth constantly collide with this tissue, increasing inflammation.
If pericoronitis persists, possibly because the tooth cannot complete its eruption due to poor position or lack of space, it is advisable to extract it since the infection can reappear until the molar is wholly freed. However, it is necessary to combat the acute inflammatory process to remove the tooth. Otherwise, it increases the probability of presenting postoperative complications.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Pericoronitis: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Teeth and mouth category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.