Wisdom teeth (third molars) usually start to erupt (enter your mouth) during late adolescence. Sometimes, there’s not enough room for them, and they come in partially or not at all. This condition can lead to Pericoronitis, inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tooth. When only part of the tooth has erupted into the mouth, it can create a flap of gum tissue (operculum) that easily holds food particles and debris and is a hotbed for bacteria. Pericoronitis also can occur around a wisdom tooth that has not erupted at all and is still under the gums.
Symptoms include:
l Painful, swollen gum tissue in the area of the affected tooth, which can make it difficult to bite down comfortably without catching the swollen tissue between your teeth.
- A bad smell or taste in the mouth.
- Discharge of pus from the gum near the tooth.
- Swollen lymph nodes under your chin (the submandibular nodes).
- Muscle spasms in the jaw.
- Swelling on the affected side of the face.
If the partially erupted tooth fails to completely enter the mouth and food debris and bacteria continue to accumulate under the flap of gums, Pericoronitis will more than likely return.
Prevention
You can help to prevent Pericoronitis by practicing good oral hygiene on any erupting wisdom tooth to make sure that food particles and bacteria do not accumulate under the gums. However, if these steps do not work and Pericoronitis returns, it may be necessary to have the overlying flap of gum (operculum) tissue removed (Operculectomy). In some cases, the wisdom tooth may need to be extracted.
Treatment
Pericoronitis can be tricky to treat because the flap of gum tissue won’t go away until the wisdom tooth emerges naturally or until the tissue is removed.
Periodontist can clean the area thoroughly to remove damaged tissue or pus. If the area is infected, you’ll be given oral antibiotics and instructions for keeping the area clean, which is the best way to prevent the problem from returning. This usually involves brushing and flossing daily and rinsing your mouth with water several times a day. This will help prevent food particles from accumulating in the area.
Pericoronitis that causes symptoms should be treated as soon as possible. If it is not, the infection can spread to other areas of your mouth. The most severe cases are treated in a hospital and may require intravenous antibiotics and surgery.
When to Call a Professional / Periodontist
If you are experiencing symptoms of Pericoronitis, make an appointment to see your dentist. If your wisdom teeth are coming in, visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups. During those visits, he or she can check on the progress of your wisdom teeth.