Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is a medical term used to describe sore, puffy or infected gum tissue that surrounds your wisdom teeth, also known as your third molars.  Pericoronitis most often occurs when your wisdom tooth do not fully break through your gum tissue, creating an area for bacteria, food and plaque to become trapped. 

Symptoms you may experience if you have pericoronitis are:

• Swollen, sore, red or infected gum tissue around the tooth.
• Pus seeping out from your gums.
• Trouble opening or closing your mouth.
• Swelling around your neck, face and jaw, specifically your lymph nodes.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please call Dr. Dhayni, DDS to schedule an appointment at (586)-558-8200 or email us at info@warrendentistry.com. Our office is located at 30205 Schoenherr Rd, Suite E, Warren, Michigan 48088.  Dr. Dhayni, of Warren Dentistry, provides general and cosmetic dental services in the Metro Detroit Michigan Area.

To diagnose and treat pericoronitis, Dr. Dhayni will perform a thorough examination of your mouth and take x-rays.  If Dr. Dhayni determines that you have pericoronitis, there are a variety of treatment options available. 

An antibiotic is prescribed if the area is infected.  Pain medication may even be prescribed.  After the infection is removed, the best treatment is to have the wisdom tooth removed, along with any other remaining wisdom teeth that may or may have not erupted.  Another option is to have the gum tissue around the erupted wisdom tooth surgically eliminated or reconstructed. 

Before treatment, it is best to keep the inflamed gum tissue bacteria free by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or an antimicrobial mouthwash.  If treatment is avoided, the infection will only advance causing further damage to your surrounding teeth. 

The cost of treating pericoronitis varies depending on how far your pericoronitis has advanced. We have payment options and financing available for those who qualify. Please call Dr. Dhayni, DDS to schedule an appointment at (586)-558-8200.