Q: What is pericoronitis?

A: Pericoronitis is the name of a painful inflammation of the gum near an erupting wisdom tooth, more technically known as a third molar. In fact, the word literally means "inflammation around the crown," from Latin and Greek roots.

The condition generally occurs in people between the ages of 17 and 24, the period when wisdom teeth are usually coming in. The problem arises when a wisdom tooth does not erupt normally, but rather is tilted or partially impacted. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that is blocked from erupting at all, or is able to emerge only partially because it is tilted or otherwise blocked. When a wisdom tooth is in such condition, food particles and bacteria can build up between the gum and the tooth and cause this painful condition.

Often the solution is extraction of the tooth in question. Extraction will prevent the possibility of infection and protect neighboring teeth from damage. Removing an impacted wisdom tooth is a job for an oral surgeon. Most such surgeries are done in the office. Depending on a variety of factors, though, your oral surgeon may prefer a hospital setting. Talk with your dentist about ways to avoid inflammation in the mouth.

April 19, 2010