Q: What is pericoronitis?
A: Pericoronitis is a condition that occurs when the gum surrounding an erupting third molar-commonly called a wisdom tooth-becomes inflamed. From Latin and Greek, the word "pericoronitis" literally means "inflammation around the crown." It is a painful condition most likely to occur when the wisdom tooth does not erupt normally but is tilted or partially impacted.
Wisdom teeth generally erupt during late adolescence. An impacted wisdom tooth is one that becomes lodged and can't emerge fully. When this happens, bacteria and food particles can collect between the gum and the tooth, potentially leading to infection. Once an infection begins, pain and fever will be constant. Some cases require removal of the tooth to avoid infection and damage to adjacent and/or opposing teeth.
|
Top
