All about Pericoronitis

Article written byElite Dental Group

Pericoronitis occurs when a person’s wisdom teeth or third molars cannot erupt from their gums. Although early humans needed these teeth to consume tough meat, modern humans have little use for them. This is why most dentists will remove them in a simple surgery.

Pericoronitis develops if a tooth cannot erupt, and food particles get lodged near the area breeding bacteria. The symptoms of pericoronitis include discomfort near the area and difficulty opening the mouth. Other symptoms include bad breath and an unpleasant taste in one’s mouth due to leakage from the gums. The infection can also spread, causing swollen glands which can make the patient feel unwell.

A dentist will treat pericoronitis depending on its severity. In mild cases, he may prescribe a mouth wash or a saline solution for gargling. For those with a severe infection, antibiotics will be prescribed to clear the infection with a pain reliever for discomfort.

In some cases, patients will need oral surgery, which will involve removing the gum flap from the mouth to reduce food particles getting lodged inside. Some dentists may advise removing the tooth altogether. This procedure will involve local anesthetic and sometimes include sedation. The method of anesthetic will depend on the severity of the disease and the patient’s preferences.

Removing all molars may be suggested as it will reduce the chance of other molars giving the patient trouble in the future. Additionally, it will reduce the patient’s costs as they would not have to do multiple surgeries.

Elite Dental Group has experience in handling all forms of oral surgery including wisdom tooth extraction. Dr. Andre Eliasian and his team are well known for their modern non-invasive techniques and their client-focused approach to dentistry. Their cosmetic dentistry procedures have helped many patients achieve a beautiful smile. If you are in Glendale, Burbank or neighboring cities call for an appointment.