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Conditions

Dentistry · Oral health

Impacted wisdom teeth and pericoronitis

Understand a blocked or partly erupted wisdom tooth and inflammation of the gum around it.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

An impacted wisdom tooth cannot erupt normally; a partly erupted tooth may remain under a gum flap that becomes inflamed or infected.

Possible symptoms

Pain at the back of the mouth, swollen gum, a bad taste, limited mouth opening and painful swallowing can occur.

Causes and associated factors

Lack of space or tooth position prevents eruption; plaque and debris beneath the gum flap promote pericoronitis.

Diagnosis

Examination checks the gum, neighbouring tooth, decay, abscess, cyst or periodontal disease and considers nearby nerves.

Tests

A panoramic X-ray is often used; three-dimensional imaging is reserved for cases where it changes planning.

Course of the condition

Mild inflammation may settle and recur; a healthy, disease-free impacted tooth is often monitored rather than routinely removed.

Care options

Local cleaning and management of the acute episode come first; monitoring, extraction or sometimes coronectomy depends on symptoms, disease and nerve risk.

When to consult

Seek care for pain, swelling, bad taste, repeated episodes or difficulty cleaning the area.

Urgent help

Increasing swelling, fever, marked difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing or breathing needs urgent help.

Questions for your doctor

  • What exact diagnosis explains my symptoms?
  • Are the tooth, gum, bone or jaw joint affected?
  • Which options can preserve natural tissues?
  • Which benefits, limits, risks and costs should I compare?
  • What follow-up and warning signs should I plan for?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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