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Pericoronitis

Inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department. Book Appointment →

What is Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the soft tissue (operculum) surrounding the crown of a partially erupted or impacted tooth, most commonly the mandibular third molar (wisdom tooth). The space between operculum and tooth becomes a stagnation area for food debris and bacteria.

Etiology involves mechanical trauma from the opposing tooth, plaque accumulation under the operculum and bacterial overgrowth (mixed anaerobic flora). Untreated pericoronitis can progress to spreading infection (Ludwig angina, retropharyngeal abscess) or systemic involvement, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Symptoms

Severe pain at the back of the mouth
Swelling of overlying gum and adjacent cheek
Difficulty opening mouth (trismus)
Bad taste and halitosis
Pus discharge from operculum
Tender submandibular lymphadenopathy
Fever and malaise in severe cases

Risk Factors

Partially erupted mandibular third molar
Recurrent operculum trauma from opposing tooth
Poor oral hygiene around the affected tooth
Smoking and tobacco use
Stress and immunosuppression
Pregnancy with hormonal influence
Recent upper respiratory tract infection

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Severe pain at the back of the mouth
  • Marked swelling and trismus
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • Recurrent episodes of pericoronitis
  • Fever or systemic toxicity
  • Spreading cervicofacial swelling

Treatment Methods

01
Local debridement and irrigation with chlorhexidine or saline
02
Warm saline rinses every 2-3 hours
03
Smoothing or grinding the opposing tooth cusp
04
Operculectomy for recurrent disease
05
Antibiotic therapy (amoxicillin or metronidazole) for systemic involvement
06
NSAIDs and acetaminophen for pain
07
Drainage of associated abscess if present
08
Extraction of the impacted tooth after acute resolution
09
Hospital admission for spreading infection or compromised airway

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Diş çürüğü, ağız bakterilerinin şekeri fermente ederek ürettiği asitlerin diş minesi, dentin ve pulpayı tahrip etmesiyle oluşan kronik bir hastalıktır.

Diş Eti Hastalıkları (Periodontal Hastalıklar)

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Periodontal hastalıklar, diş eti (gingivit) ve diş çevresindeki kemik ile bağ dokusunun (periodontit) bakteri kaynaklı iltihabıdır; tedavi edilmezse diş kaybına neden olur.

Impacted Tooth

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An impacted tooth — most often a wisdom tooth — has not erupted fully and remains in the jaw bone or gum. It can lead to pericoronitis, caries and cysts.

Dental Implants

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A dental implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone that supports a crown, bridge or denture, providing the closest possible function and aesthetics to a natural tooth.

Teeth Whitening

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Teeth whitening lightens tooth color using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels. In-office (professional) bleaching uses higher concentrations with light activation for faster results; home bleaching uses custom trays with lower concentrations over 1–4 weeks. Safety depends on healthy teeth, correct concentration, isolation of gums and transient sensitivity management.

Orthodontics

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Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects the alignment of the teeth and jaws, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits at any age, from childhood through adulthood.

Gingival Recession (Gum Recession)

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Gingival recession is the apical displacement of the gingival margin with exposure of the root surface. It may be localized or generalized and results from mechanical trauma, periodontal disease, thin biotype or anatomic factors. Recession can cause root sensitivity, caries and aesthetic concerns; management includes cause elimination and surgical root coverage when indicated.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

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Halitosis is a chronic problem that affects a substantial part of the population. It is most often of oral origin and can interfere with social interactions.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.