Pericoronitis
exp date isn't null, but text field is
Pericoronitis is an inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the crown of a partially erupted or impacted tooth.
Causes
- Accumulation of bacteria and food debris beneath the gum.
- Trauma to the gum flap from opposing tooth
Types
Acute and Chronic
Signs and symptoms
- Tenderness around impacted tooth
- Facial swellings
- Dysphagia
- Enlargement of regional lymph nodes
- Pain
- Difficulty in opening the mouth
- Fever
Investigations
- Physical examination
- X ray to determine the alignment of the affected tooth.
Treatment objectives
- Manage or alleviate the pain near the affected tooth
- Reduce inflammation
Non-pharmacological treatment
- Rinse mouth with warm saline mouth wash
- Removal of the gum flap (Operculectomy)
- Disimpaction of the third molar by surgical extraction
- Occlusal reduction of opposing tooth
Pharmacological treatment
Paracetamol oral
Adult:
500mg-1g every 6-8 hours
Child:
6-12 years: 250-500mg every 6-8 hours
1-5 years: 120-250mg every 6-8 hours,
3 months-1 year: 60-120mg every 6-8 hours when required
OR
Ibuprofen oral
Adult:
200-400mg every 8 hours
Child:
100-200mg every 8 hours
AND
Amoxicillin oral:
Adult:
500mg every 8 hours for 7days
Child:
6-12 years: 250mg every 8 hours for 7 days
1-5 years 125mg every 8 hours for 7 days,
<1 year: 62.5mg every 8 hours for 7days
OR
Metronidazole oral
Adult:
400mg every 8 hours for 7 days
Child:
100-200mg every 8 hours for 7days
Referral
Dentist for definitive treatment
PreventionPractice good oral hygiene