Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Pericoronitis

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, can come in in several ways, such as when, in some cases, a tooth only comes in partially. Gum tissue may cover part of the tooth, which this happens more often with lower wisdom teeth than upper. Bacteria and food particles can become trapped underneath this tissue, and this can cause the gum to swell and become irritated. This type of infection is known as pericoronitis.

Signs & Symptoms

● A bad taste in the mouth

●Bad breath

●Pain and discomfort

●Swollen gums behind the back teeth and inability to bite down without pinching swollen gums

●Being unable to open mouth all the way

Treatment

● Gum tissue is removed.

●Wisdom tooth is removed.

●Wisdom tooth comes in the rest of the way.

Patients can rinse their mouth with warm salt water to help treat swelling, but they should still see a dentist as soon as possible. Dentists can clean around the gum tissue, and if it’s infected, they can prescribe antibiotics. During the appointment, the dentist can tell his or her patient how to keep the area clean. Brushing and flossing every day as well as a follow up rinse can help prevent problems. Even with good oral hygiene, however, the problem can reoccur. If the condition returns or becomes worse, the dentist might suggest an oral surgeon to remove the gum tissue or the wisdom tooth.

Extractions should be performed by an experienced oral surgeon if anesthesia is involved. Tooth extraction costs may vary depending on anesthesia and the difficulty of the procedure—costs may fall between $75-200 per tooth. Costs can vary by region as well—in the Northeast, an extraction can cost up to $1000 per tooth. Fortunately, these expenses can be offset by insurance.

After extraction, apply ice packs intermittently for the first two days to minimize swelling. There may be some occasional bleeding after surgery—for heavy bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad or apply pressure for a few minutes before removing it. Limit diet to liquids and soft foods and avoid any food that may leave particles in the socket—all of which should help prevent any post extraction problems.

Any pain or swelling should improve each day. If patients continue to experience pain or swelling, they should call their dentist. Either way, getting wisdom teeth removed is often a guaranteed solution to pericoronitis. It’s the best course of action, and you'll be happy you did it.

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