Pericoronitis Laser Treatment

Pericoronitis Laser Treatment London

Pericoronitis is inflammation of the gum tissue that occurs at the crown of the tooth. Wisdom teeth usually start to become visible in the late teen years, but the condition mostly occurs on wisdom teeth that are only partially visible. Pericoronitis can occur when people have a flap of gum tissue partially covering the crown of the erupting tooth. Inflammation can be caused when bacteria, food and plaque accumulate underneath the gum opening and can be extremely difficult to clean out.

In some cases, Pericoronitis can cause an infection which leads to swelling, pus and radiating pain to the head and jaw joints. Therefore, it is important to get it treated should you be experiencing symptoms.

What are the symptoms of pericoronitis?

The symptoms of pericoronitis vary from case to case, and whether the condition is acute or chronic. Common symptoms of acute pericoronitis include:

• severe pain near your back teeth
• swelling of gum tissue
• pain when swallowing
• the discharge of pus
• trismus (lockjaw)

Chronic pericoronitis can include the following symptoms:

• bad breath
• a bad taste in your mouth
• a mild or dull ache lasting for one or two days

Causes & Risk Factors of Pericoronitis?

Pericoronitis usually occurs when a molar is partially impacted. Bacteria then accumulates around the soft tissue, causing inflammation. The following factors can increase your risk of pericoronitis:

• age between 20 to 29
• wisdom teeth that haven’t properly erupted
• poor oral hygiene
• excess gum tissue
• fatigue and emotional stress
• pregnancy

Overall health hasn’t been shown to be a risk factor for pericoronitis.

The Main Complications of Pericoronitis & The Importance of Treatment

The main complications of pericoronitis are pain and swelling around the wisdom teeth which can affect your day to day, such as eating – indeed, you may have trouble biting down or lockjaw. In some cases, infection can spread from the affected tooth to other areas of your mouth.

If pericoronitis goes untreated and is left to fester, it can lead to a life-threatening complication called Ludwig’s angina – while very rare, this is where the infection spreads into one’s head and neck. In addition to this, it could also lead to sepsis – an infection that spreads in the blood – though, also rare.

Managing Pericoronitis Pain

If the tooth is expected to fully erupt on its own, your dentist may decide to help you manage the symptoms without removing the flap or the tooth. In this case, ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be helpful. Your dentist will adopt thorough dental cleaning techniques to clean the gum tissue around your tooth to prevent build-up of plaque and food particles. They may use local anaesthesia to help with the pain during this process. If you experience swelling or infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics like penicillin or erythromycin (Erythrocin Stearate).

Pericoronitis Laser Treatment & More

Your dentist will take several factors into consideration when deciding how to treat your pericoronitis. The three treatment options are:

• managing or alleviating the pain near the molar
• removing the flap covering the tooth e.g. Pericoronitis Laser Treatment
• removing the tooth

Any licensed dentist can treat pericoronitis. In situations where surgery is required or if it is a severe and complicated case, dental specialists such an oral surgeon or a London periodontist (gum surgeon) can provide treatment. In very rare instances, should the infection become more widespread, emergency services with physician care might be needed.

The Process of Pericoronitis Laser Treatment

Laser dental treatments are applied in the treatment of several conditions. Using a low-level laser, the inflamed soft tissue is removed from around the crown of the tooth making the area easier to clean and so reducing the chance of a recurring episode of Pericoronitis. After the infected tissue is removed, the dentist root scales the excess plaque from under the gum line and around the root of the infected area. Next, the root is smoothed, and the space between the root and gums regenerates and heals. This is a blood free procedure with faster healing and less pain than the usual surgical methods. Contact our dentist London today for more information.

Choose Smile Cliniq for Pericoronitis Laser Treatment

If you have pericoronitis and think you require treatment from the best dentist in London for it or want to ask a few questions about seeing our dental specialists in London about pericoronitis laser treatment London, just simply call our number on 020 8090 9077. You can also contact us at our dentist London via email at info@smilecliniq.com

Pericoronitis Laser Treatment FAQs

Are pericoronitis lasers harmful?

Each laser has different wavelengths and power levels that can be used safely during pericoronitis laser treatment. However, it is important to have your treatment done with a pericoronitis specialist who are trained with laser use. If lasers are used inappropriately, sometimes tissue damage can occur.

What is the prognosis for pericoronitis?

Once you have had pericoronitis laser treatment, pericoronitis rarely returns. In cases where a flap of gum tissue is removed, the tissue can sometimes grow back. People usually recover from treatment in about two weeks’ time and within one or two days for symptom-specific treatment for acute pericoronitis.

Is it possible to prevent pericoronitis?

Yes, it is possible to prevent pericoronitis with conscientious dental hygiene, regular dental visits, and pre-emptive care. Indeed, pre-emptive care and dental visits can lessen your chances of this condition. Your dentist can monitor the third molars (wisdom teeth) as they erupt to extract a tooth early if necessary to avoid the onset of pericoronitis. Removal of the wisdom teeth prior to eruption can prevent pericoronitis. Your dental hygienist can also perform regular cleanings to prevent inflammation.