Pericoronitis is an inflammation or swelling of your gum tissue. It's more common in your lower teeth and it usually happens around your wisdom teeth, the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early 20s.
What causes Pericoronitis?
Pericoronitis occurs around a wisdom tooth that has failed to come in or has only partially erupted. A partially-erupted wisdom tooth can leave a flap of gum tissue that collects food particles and other debris—an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Can pericoronitis go away on its own?
Unfortunately, pericoronitis won't go away on its own. If it goes untreated, it can become dangerous after only a couple of weeks. Typically, either the flap of tissue or the wisdom tooth needs to be removed. If an infection is present, an antibiotic will be needed, as well.
Is pericoronitis serious?
If an abscess ruptures and isn't treated, the infection can spread to other areas of your body and even be life-threatening. Severe pericoronitis can cause complications like Ludwig's angina, an infection that can spread to the rest of your head and neck.
How long does pericoronitis last?
Symptoms of pericoronitis can last for days to weeks depending on the severity. The condition should resolve in approximately one to two weeks with treatment. If the initial cause of the infection is not treated, the condition will likely return. Complications can occur with pericoronitis.
Does Salt Water Cure pericoronitis?
If not treated in a timely way, the pus can spread to other areas of the mouth, spreading the infection. The most conservative treatment option is to use a salt water rinse to clean the infected area, flushing out any bacteria and any food pieces that might be trapped in the gum.
What's the ideal way forward to treating Pericoronitis?
The best way forward is to carry a 3D CBCT X-ray which is a 3 dimensional X-ray that highlights the tooth in question along with the surrounding tissues, teeth and nerves...etc
During the procedure a local anaseasthia is used to make the area numb. A small incision in the gums may be required to increase access to the tooth in question. A small amount of bone removal around the site may be required. After the tooth is removed resorbable stitches are used for wound closure.
Post operative instructions following the procedure include:
1- Taking the rest of the day off.
2- Stick to a soft warm diet.
3- Abstain from strenuous exercise for at least 2-3 days.
4- Dont rinse your mouth, apply pressure or tamper with wound with tooth brush, or your finger.
5- Avoid spices in food for 2-3 days.
6- Medications will be prescribed to you if required that include Antibiotics, and an anti-inflammatory.
7- A day following the procedure you may start rinsing the area with salt water mouth wash. Use a tea spoon and added to half a cup of warm water. Rinse the area for 30 seconds twice daily for a week.
8- A follow up appointment will be required a week after the procedure to assess the healing.
9- We also may use Low level pain therapy by our laser diode device to boost and accelerate healing in the area.
If you have any further questions of you would like to book your appointment you can always reach us at info@cairosmile.com, or you can book your appointment click here
For further information about wisdom teeth removal click here
