Pericoronitis

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Pericoronitis is an infection of the tissues that overlie a partially erupted wisdom tooth.  It is easy to develop an infection in the soft tissues that overlie an impacted wisdom tooth as food debris can easily collect there, causing an influx of bacteria to the area. 

Pericoronitis Symptoms

• Bad taste in the mouth
• Bad breathe
• Pain in the tooth area
• Swollen gums leading to you being unable to close your mouth completely
• Pain when opening your mouth

Pericoronitis Treatment

You are likely to be given a course of antibiotics to attack the infection as well as some pain relief.  Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help to clean the area and soothe your mouth.  This is most effective when used in conjunction with a syringe. You will be given advice by a hygienist about how to properly clean the area. In some cases your dentist might feel that further action is necessary.  They can either remove the wisdom tooth, remove the gum covering the wisdom tooth or stimulate the tooths’ growth into the mouth. 

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