Dr. Tejaswini Malasane , Smile Care , Nasik

Wisdom tooth (third molars) starts erupting in late teens years. It would get stuck on its way if there is not enough room for them or if they are growing tilted. They may come in partially or not at all .An impacted tooth does not cause any pain, but when it tries to push inside the mouth, it creates a flap of gum above it to swell and it may become painful. The food is trapped in this flap and starts decaying thus converting the flap as a host for bacteria. Due to this the flap is inflamed and this is called pericoronitis. Pericoronotis also can occur around a wisdom tooth that is still completely under the gums.

Symptoms :

• Painful, swollen gum tissue in the area of affected tooth.
• Problems in jaw movements.
• Bad mouth odor.
• Pus discharge from gum near the tooth.
• Swelling on the affected side.

Diagnosis :

• Inflamed gum tissue in the area of unerupted or partly erupted tooth.
• Flap or gum tissue on the affected area may be swollen, red or may drain pus.
• Dentist may suggest a dental x-ray for unerupted or partially erupted tooth to confirm the path of eruption.

Expected duration :

• With proper antibiotics and warm saline rinses the condition would subside within a week.
• However if proper through cleaning is not taken care then the condition can return back.

Prevention :

• Brushing erupting wisdom tooth and flossing around the tooth is necessary this will ensure that food and bacteria do not build up under the gum.

Treatment :

• Through cleaning of the flap on the affected side to remove the debris or pus if any.
• If the area is infected you will be given antibiotics.
• If required the gum flap need to be removed.
• Dentist may suggest removing the partially erupted or unerupted wisdom tooth.

When to call a professional :

• If you have symptoms of pericoronitis as stated earlier.
• If your wisdom tooth are erupting.
• If there is any pus discharges from the flap near the erupting wisdom tooth.

Prognosis :

• Prognosis is generally good if the tooth erupts completely.
  If the tooth on the affected side is removed the condition does not return back.