What Is Pericoronitis and How Is It Treated?
This Urgent Care Scenario is presented by the JCDA Oasis Team in collaboration with Dr. Samer Nuwwareh. It is also available on Oasis Help
Definition
Acute or chronic infection of the enveloping mucosa and gingiva of an incompletely erupted tooth. The bacteria commonly associated with pericoronitis are a-hemolytic streptococci such as Prevotella, Veillonella, Bacteroides, and Capnocytophaga. Untreated, it can progress from a local infection to a significant life-threatening infection.
Resources
- Pogrel A, Dodson TB, Swift JQ, Bonine FL, Rafetto LK, Kennedy JE, et al. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons White paper on third molar data. 2007. Available from: www.aaoms.org/docs/thirdmolarwhite_paper.pdf
- Peltroche-Llacsahuanga H, Reichhart E, Schmitt W, Lutticken R, Haase G. Investigation of infectious organisms causing pericoronitis of the mandibular third molar. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2000;58(6):611-6.
- Punwutikorn J, Waikakul A, Ochareon P. Symptoms of unerupted mandibular third molars.Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 1999;87(3):305-10.
- Gutiérrez-Pérez JL. Third molar infections.Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2004;9 Suppl:122-5.
- Sixou JL, Magaud C, Jolivet-Gougeon A, Cormier M, Bonnaure-Mallet M. Evaluation of the mandibular third molar pericoronitis flora and its susceptibility to different antibiotics prescribed in France. J Clin Microbiol. 2003;41(12):5794-7.
- McGrath C, Comfort MB, Lo EC, Luo Y. Can third molar surgery improve quality of life? A 6-month cohort study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2003;61(7):759-63.
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