What Do You Know About Pericoronitis?

PERICORONITIS

Its a dental disorder that is gotten from a Greek word "Peri" meaning Around and the Latin word "Corona" meaning Crown.

Therefore, "Pericoronitis" also known as OPERCULITIS is the inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the crown of a partially erupted tooth including the gingival(Gum) and the dental follicle. 

Just when the wisdom teeth do not have enough room to erupt the gums therefore it traps food particles and is the perfect setting for bacteria that causes infection to set in.

Often occur between the age range of 20-40years. One study found that roughly 81% of people affected by peritonitis are between ages of 20&29.

 
CLASSIFICATION OF PERICORONITIS

ACUTE: This kind of pain may be experienced for several days, swelling or oral discharge or lymph nodes may even be swollen under the chin and fever. It occurs between 3-4days.

CHRONIC: Pain continues to reoccur over a period of month and is long term but the symptoms are similar to acute.

CAUSES OF PERICORONITIS

These includes :

 

• Poor Oral hygiene

 • Stress 

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infection caused by a cold, bacteria and also affected the nose, sinus and throat.

  

 DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS

Your healthcare provider will perform;

¶ Evaluation: To detect any swollen gum or inflammation.

¶ X-ray: To check the alignment of the wisdom teeth and to r/o other possible causes of the pain maybe dental decay.

 

 
MANAGEMENT OF PERICORONITIS

Management includes the use of;

√ Pain relievers such as Paracetamol, Ibuprofen or Aspirin.

 √ Antibiotics

In some cases, surgical approach may be needed in combination with the use analgesic and antibiotics. The Oral Surgery will be done to remove the gum tissues

NOTE:

If you realize your wisdom teeth are coming through but have no symptoms of Pericoronitis, don't hesitate to tell your Dentist so they can monitor the progress. And endeavour to see your dentist once a year.👍

 Written by Ogunwolu Khadeejat Ololade (RN)

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