Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the gingival hood covering an erupted tooth.

Etiology: mixed microflora of the oral cavity, gum trauma during tooth eruption.

Pathogenesis:

Pericoronitis develops as a complication during the eruption of a tooth, most often a wisdom tooth, especially when it is dystopic (abnormal position).

Clinical manifestations:

1. pain in the jaw and submandibular area
2. painful swallowing
3. difficulty opening the mouth
4. hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane
5. increase in body temperature to 37-38°C

The course of the disease is protracted, with frequent relapses.

Possible complications:

1. osteomyelitis
2. abscesses of the retromolar region
3. phlegmon

Diagnostics:

1. X-ray shows a partially erupted tooth in an abnormal position

Treatment:

1. excision of the gingival hood
2. in case of relapses - removal of the problematic tooth
3. treatment of complications (antibiotics, drainage of abscess, opening of phlegmon)

Forecast:

The disease can recur for a long time; complete recovery often occurs only after tooth extraction.