If you're feeling pain in the back of your mouth—especially near a partially erupted wisdom tooth—you may be dealing with more than just late-blooming molars. You could have pericoronitis, a common but potentially serious oral infection that affects the gum tissue around your wisdom tooth. If this is the case, seeking prompt care with an emergency dentist in Atlanta, IL, is crucial. Here are some tips to recognize it.
What Is Pericoronitis?
Pericoronitis is an infection that occurs when bacteria, food particles, and plaque become trapped beneath the flap of gum tissue (called an operculum) that often covers a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
This semi-open space creates the perfect environment for infection.
To make matters worse, pericoronitis isn’t like a cavity or mild gum irritation—it is an acute infection that can spread quickly if untreated. It can cause symptoms such as jaw stiffness, facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, or even more serious complications, including cellulitis or sepsis.
The symptoms can start mild, but they often escalate quickly. Therefore, understanding what to look out for is crucial in preventing that. Some common indicators of pericoronitis include:
- Pain or swelling near a wisdom tooth (usually lower back molars)
- A bad taste or odor in the mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
- Red, inflamed gum tissue
- Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw
- Fever in more severe cases
These aren’t symptoms to ignore. If you're experiencing one or more, it’s time to call your dentist—urgently.
Why Pericoronitis Needs Immediate Attention
Here’s where many articles fall short: pericoronitis is not something to “wait and see.”
While mild gum pain can sometimes improve with rinsing or over-the-counter pain relievers, pericoronitis often requires professional treatment—especially if it recurs or interferes with eating, speaking, or sleeping.
An untreated case can quickly turn into an abscess, spread infection beyond the mouth, or even obstruct breathing in rare cases. That’s why seeing an emergency dentist as soon as symptoms appear is the best course of action.
How Is Pericoronitis Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the infection and whether the wisdom tooth is expected to erupt fully. Your dentist may recommend:
- Professional cleaning to flush out bacteria and debris from beneath the gum flap.
- Antibiotics to fight infection, especially if swelling, fever, or pus is present.
- Operculectomy, a minor procedure to remove the gum flap trapping bacteria.
- Wisdom tooth extraction is necessary if the tooth is impacted or continues to cause recurring infections.
At-home care, such as warm saltwater rinses, over-the-counter pain relief, and soft foods, can help manage discomfort between visits—but should never replace proper care.
Can Pericoronitis Go Away on Its Own?
In rare, very mild cases, the inflammation may subside temporarily. But without treating the underlying cause (trapped bacteria or a partially erupted tooth), it’s likely to return—often worse. That’s why it’s crucial to treat pericoronitis early before complications set in.
Does Your Wisdom Tooth Need an Emergency Dentist in Atlanta, IL?
If you’re in pain and suspect pericoronitis, waiting isn't worth the risk. This condition can cause severe pain and bone loss and will not improve on its own.
At Smalltown Dental, we offer emergency appointments to relieve discomfort, treat infections, and protect your long-term health. Call now for immediate care and expert advice tailored to your smile!
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