Wisdom teeth that grow at an angle or remain half-erupted can create a small flap of gum tissue where bacteria accumulate. This warm, moist pocket becomes an ideal environment for infection, resulting in pericoronitis. The condition can cause pain, swelling, and restricted jaw movement, making it difficult to chew, swallow, or even open your mouth fully.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate care. Our experienced dentists at Brisbane Emergency Dentist provide gentle, same-day treatment to relieve pain, stop infection, and restore comfort quickly.
Pericoronitis usually begins with discomfort or tenderness around the wisdom tooth. You might notice a dull ache that gradually becomes severe and radiates towards the jaw, ear, or throat. As the infection progresses, swelling and redness develop around the affected tooth. In some cases, you may have difficulty opening your mouth or experience pain while swallowing.
Patients often report bad taste or bad breath due to the presence of pus around the infected area. The lymph nodes under the jaw may become swollen and tender, and in advanced cases, the pain can spread across the side of the face. If untreated, pericoronitis can cause fever, fatigue, and difficulty eating or speaking.
Pericoronitis occurs when food particles, plaque, and bacteria become trapped beneath the gum flap that covers a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Poor oral hygiene, misaligned teeth, and inadequate cleaning around the molars can all contribute to bacterial growth. Over time, the trapped debris causes gum inflammation, infection, and in some cases, pus formation.
The risk is higher in individuals whose wisdom teeth erupt at an angle or remain partially buried beneath the gum surface. Stress, fatigue, and a weakened immune system can also make you more susceptible to developing this condition.
People between the ages of 18 and 25 are most likely to develop pericoronitis since this is when wisdom teeth usually erupt. Other contributing factors include poor oral hygiene, chronic stress, fatigue, and hormonal changes such as those that occur during pregnancy. These factors can compromise the immune system and make it easier for bacteria to multiply beneath the gum flap surrounding the wisdom tooth.
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, the dentist will thoroughly clean the area to remove trapped food and plaque before prescribing antibiotics to eliminate infection and prevent it from spreading. Pain relief medication may also be provided to help you feel comfortable while healing.
For moderate to severe cases, the gum flap covering the wisdom tooth may be gently lifted and cleaned. If the gum flap continues to trap debris, a minor surgical procedure called an operculectomy may be performed to remove it.
In cases where the wisdom tooth is deeply impacted or repeatedly becomes infected, the best long-term solution is extraction. Our dental team performs this procedure safely and efficiently to eliminate recurring infection and ensure full recovery.
Untreated pericoronitis can lead to serious complications. The infection may spread to nearby tissues, causing severe swelling, jaw stiffness, and facial pain. In rare cases, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to systemic infection or sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing these outcomes. Seeking early professional care ensures that the infection is controlled before it progresses to advanced stages.
Preventing pericoronitis starts with maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and pay extra attention to cleaning around the back molars. Floss or use an antibacterial mouthwash regularly to remove food particles trapped between teeth.
Regular dental check-ups every six months are essential for monitoring the growth of wisdom teeth and spotting potential problems early. If your dentist detects partial eruption or gum irritation, they can provide preventive cleaning or recommend further treatment before infection develops.
Good oral hygiene, professional monitoring, and timely dental care are the best ways to keep your gums healthy and avoid the discomfort of pericoronitis.
If you’ve Pericoronitis, act fast. Contact Brisbane Emergency Dentist right now for same-day treatment and expert reimplantation. Your quick action could save your smile.