Pericoronitis: What It Is and How to Treat It

Wisdom teeth – those late arrivals to the party – don’t always settle in nicely. Sometimes, they barely make an appearance, getting stuck under the gums or erupting at odd angles. And when that happens, trouble isn’t far behind. Pericoronitis (one of the most common issues) – is an infection that affects partially erupted wisdom teeth.

If you’ve got pain, swelling, or an unpleasant taste lingering in your mouth, you might be dealing with it. But don’t worry – we’re here to explain everything in plain English, so you know exactly what’s happening and what to do next.

What Is Pericoronitis? 

Pericoronitis is an infection that happens when a wisdom tooth partially erupts but doesn’t fully break through the gum. This leaves a small flap of gum tissue (called an operculum) covering part of the tooth. Sounds harmless, right? Well, not quite.

That little flap is the perfect hideout for food particles, bacteria, and plaque. And because it’s difficult to clean, bacteria multiply, leading to swelling, pain, and infection. If left untreated, things can get worse – much worse.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth So Prone to Infection? 

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt – usually between ages 18-25. But since most people’s mouths don’t have enough room for them, they can:
✔ Get stuck under the gums (impacted wisdom teeth).
✔ Erupt at odd angles, pushing against nearby teeth.
✔ Only partially emerge, creating gaps where bacteria thrive.

This is why wisdom teeth are more likely to develop cavities, infections, and painful conditions like pericoronitis.

Signs & Symptoms of Pericoronitis 

Wondering if you’ve got pericoronitis? Here are the symptoms to look out for:

The Most Common Symptoms:

  • Throbbing pain around your wisdom tooth.
  • Swelling in the gums, cheek, or jaw.
  • Bad taste in your mouth (often from pus).
  • Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully.
  • Inflamed, red gums around the wisdom tooth.
  • Persistent bad breath that won’t go away with brushing.

Less Common (But Serious) Symptoms:

  • Ear pain or headaches (pain can radiate from your jaw).
  • Fever (a sign that the infection may be spreading).
  • Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw.
  • Severe swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow – this is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention.

If you notice these symptoms, don’t wait. At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist, we have in-house CT scans that give us a clear picture of what’s happening below the gums – helping us treat you faster and more effectively.

How Pericoronitis Is Diagnosed

When you visit our clinic, our dentists will examine your wisdom tooth and gums to check for signs of infection.

We may also take an X-ray or a CT scan to:
✔ See if your wisdom tooth is fully or partially erupted.
✔ Check if it’s pushing against other teeth.
✔ Determine whether extraction or another treatment is the best option.

At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist, our in-house CT scan means you get a full diagnosis in one visit, saving you time and unnecessary waiting.

How Is Pericoronitis Treated?

Female patient at 24-hour dentist London

Pericoronitis can be painful, but the good news is that it’s treatable. Our goal is to relieve your discomfort, stop the infection, and prevent it from coming back.

Step 1: Control the Infection 

  • Antibiotics – If the infection is severe or spreading, we’ll prescribe a course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
  • Pain Relief – Over-the-counter painkillers can help, but if the pain is intense, we can prescribe stronger medication.

Step 2: Deep Cleaning 

  • We thoroughly clean the area around the wisdom tooth to remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris trapped under the gum flap.

Step 3: Gum Flap Removal (Operculectomy) 

  • In some cases, the gum flap covering the wisdom tooth needs to be removed. This prevents future infections by eliminating the area where bacteria collect.
  • This minor surgical procedure is quick and painless, thanks to local anaesthesia.

Step 4: Wisdom Tooth Extraction (If Needed) 

  • If the wisdom tooth is severely decayed, impacted, or causing repeated infections, extraction is often the best solution.
  • Our oral surgeons are highly experienced in wisdom tooth removal, so you’re in expert hands.
    At 24-Hour Emergency Dentist, our team will carefully assess your specific case and recommend the best course of action.

Possible Complications of Untreated Pericoronitis

If you ignore pericoronitis, the infection can spread beyond the gums and cause serious complications, including:

  • Ludwig’s Angina – A life-threatening infection that can block your airways.
  • Sepsis – When the infection enters the bloodstream, affecting the whole body.
  • Severe swelling that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow (requires immediate medical attention).

Bottom line? If you have symptoms, don’t wait – get checked as soon as possible. 

Can You Prevent Pericoronitis?

While wisdom teeth are unpredictable, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of infection:

✔ Brush & floss properly – Pay extra attention to your back teeth.
✔ Use a mouthwash – This helps keep bacteria levels low.
✔ See your dentist regularly – Routine check-ups help catch problems before they start.
✔ Get wisdom teeth evaluated early – If you’re between 18-25, it’s a good idea to have your wisdom teeth assessed before problems arise.

And of course, if you ever feel discomfort, book an appointment at 24-Hour Emergency Dentist so we can check it out before it turns into a bigger problem.

Why Choose 24-Hour Emergency Dentist for Wisdom Tooth Care?

If you suspect you have pericoronitis, you need a dental clinic that acts fast. Here’s why our patients trust us:

  • We’re Open 24/7 – Because pain doesn’t wait for business hours.
  • Same-Day Treatment – Walk in, and we’ll get you seen ASAP.
  • Specialist Team – Including oral surgeons who are experts in wisdom tooth extractions.
  • CT Scan for Precise Diagnosis – No guesswork – just accurate, fast results.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Wisdom Tooth Pain Take Over Your Life

Pericoronitis might start as mild discomfort, but it can quickly escalate into a severe infection. The sooner you get it checked, the easier the treatment – and the less pain you’ll have to deal with.

If you’re feeling wisdom tooth pain, swelling, or any signs of infection, book an appointment with 24-Hour Emergency Dentist today. Our expert team is here day and night to help you get the relief you need.