Is Pericoronitis a Dental Emergency?

Pericoronitis Symptoms, Risks & When To Seek Immediate Care For Infection

When a wisdom tooth starts pushing its way through the gums, it doesn’t always go smoothly. Instead of erupting properly, it might only partially emerge, creating a flap of gum tissue that can trap food, bacteria, and debris—leading to infection. This infection is known as pericoronitis, a condition that ranges from uncomfortable to life-threatening. But is it a dental emergency?

Let’s explore the symptoms, potential risks, and when you should seek immediate care for pericoronitis.

What Is Pericoronitis & How It Affects Your Oral Health

Pericoronitis is an infection of the soft tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, most commonly a lower wisdom tooth. The issue typically arises when there isn’t enough room in the mouth for the tooth to come in fully, causing it to break through the gum at an awkward angle or get stuck under the tissue.

This gum flap creates a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to swelling, pain, and in severe cases, the spread of infection to other areas of the body.

Common Symptoms Of Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (persistent but less intense). In both cases, symptoms may include:

• Persistent pain near the affected molar.
• Swelling of the gum around the erupting tooth.
• Redness or pus near the infection site.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.
• Bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth.

If left untreated, these symptoms can escalate quickly, making it a true dental emergency.

When Does Pericoronitis Become an Emergency?

While mild cases of pericoronitis—such as slight gum swelling or discomfort—might be managed temporarily with saltwater rinses or pain relievers, the condition can escalate quickly if left untreated. 

In more severe instances, the infection can spread beyond the gums and affect surrounding tissues, including the jaw, neck, and even the bloodstream. This can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications, such as Ludwig’s angina (a deep neck infection) or sepsis (a systemic response to infection).

The following symptoms indicate a dental emergency and should be addressed right away by a Clearwater emergency dentist:

• Rapid and worsening swelling in the face or jaw.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Severe, persistent dental pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications.
• High fever, chills, or a general feeling of being unwell.

In these cases, delaying treatment could increase the risk of permanent damage or systemic complications. Early intervention is crucial to prevent the infection from spreading and to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

What Causes Pericoronitis? Factors Leading To Wisdom Tooth Infections

According to Medical News Today, pericoronitis most commonly affects individuals between the ages of 20 and 29, with around 81% of reported cases occurring in this age range. It tends to appear equally in both men and women, particularly when wisdom teeth fail to erupt fully.

Several factors can contribute to the development of this condition:

• A partially erupted wisdom tooth.
• Poor oral hygiene around the back molars.
• Excess gum tissue covering the tooth.
• A compromised immune system.
• High stress levels or hormonal changes (like pregnancy).

This combination of factors can create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of inflammation and infection.

How Dentists Effectively Treat Pericoronitis & Prevent Complications

When you visit a dental professional for pericoronitis, the first step will be a thorough examination of your mouth. The dentist will assess the degree of inflammation, check for signs of infection, and determine the position and development stage of your wisdom tooth.

Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. Common approaches include:

• Thorough cleaning of the affected area to eliminate trapped food particles and bacteria.
• Antibiotics, typically prescribed when the infection has spread beyond the gums or is at risk of causing systemic complications.
• Minor oral surgery to remove the operculum, the flap of gum tissue covering the partially erupted tooth, which can help prevent future flare-ups.
• Complete wisdom tooth extraction, especially in cases where the tooth is impacted, the infection recurs, or there’s no room for the tooth to erupt properly.

Local anesthesia is often used to minimize discomfort during these procedures, and in more complex cases, sedation may be considered. Prompt treatment not only alleviates symptoms but also reduces the risk of serious complications like abscesses or systemic infection.

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or suspect a serious infection, it’s important to act quickly. For instance, an emergency dentist near Largo, FL can provide timely care and help you avoid more extensive dental or medical issues.

Can You Treat Pericoronitis At Home?

While home care may offer short-term relief, it’s not a substitute for professional dental treatment. If you can’t get to a dentist immediately, you may be able to manage symptoms with:

• Warm saltwater rinses.
• Over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen.
• Careful brushing and flossing around the area.
• Oral irrigators to remove food debris.

These steps might reduce discomfort temporarily, but they won’t address the root cause or eliminate the risk of further infection. That’s why professional intervention is always recommended.

Tips To Prevent Pericoronitis & Maintain Oral Health

The best defense against pericoronitis is prevention through consistent and proactive dental care. Here are some ways to protect yourself from this painful condition:

• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to catch potential issues early.
• Monitor your wisdom teeth with the help of dental X-rays, especially during your late teens and twenties, when they typically begin to emerge.
• Practice excellent oral hygiene, making a special effort to clean the hard-to-reach areas at the back of your mouth where bacteria can accumulate.
• Follow your dentist’s advice about extraction if your wisdom teeth are coming in at an angle, crowding other teeth, or not erupting fully.

In many cases, early removal of wisdom teeth, before they become problematic, can prevent pericoronitis entirely. 

Get Expert Help At The Dental Emergency Room For Fast Pericoronitis Treatment

In conclusion, pericoronitis can indeed become a dental emergency if left untreated. While mild symptoms might seem manageable at first, the infection can escalate quickly if left untreated. From discomfort and swelling to potentially life-threatening infections, this is not a condition to take lightly.

Don’t wait for the pain to worsen. If you suspect you may have pericoronitis, contact a Clearwater emergency dentist immediately. Seeking help from an expert in emergency dentistry, like The Dental Emergency Room, ensures your safety and long-term oral health. Contact us now!

Dental Emergency Room
1935 Drew Street,
Clearwater, Florida 33765
Phone: 727-449-2424