Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 3 minutes
If you have a partly erupted wisdom tooth, sooner or later the gum around it can flare up. A small opening in the gum creates a space where bacteria and food can collect. The irritation quickly turns into swelling, pressure, and a deep ache that makes eating or opening your mouth uncomfortable.
Legacy Surgery provides expert wisdom tooth removal in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
What Pericoronitis Is
Pericoronitis develops when gum tissue becomes inflamed around a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
These molars sit far back in the mouth, and when they only emerge partway, a small flap of gum can trap food, bacteria, and plaque. This causes swelling, pain, and, in some cases, a bacterial infection that can turn into acute pericoronitis or chronic pericoronitis depending on how long irritation persists.
The condition often affects lower wisdom teeth because they struggle for space as they erupt. When the tissue becomes irritated, the area feels sore and swollen, and it may hurt to bite or open your mouth fully.
Symptoms That Signal Pericoronitis
These symptoms can appear gradually or suddenly depending on how much inflammation is present.
- Throbbing pain around the wisdom tooth may radiate to your ear, jaw, or neck.
- Red, swollen gum tissue is irritated from trapped debris.
- Bad taste or odor that comes from bacteria collecting under the gum flap.
- Difficulty opening your mouth as inflammation can make jaw movement painful.
- Swollen lymph nodes occur when infection begins to spread.
- Low-grade fever is more common in moderate to severe cases.
If the discomfort does not improve, a visit with your oral surgeon ensures the irritation is treated before it develops into a more serious problem.
| How Long Does It Last? Mild cases often improve within two to three days with warm saltwater rinses and professional cleaning. Moderate inflammation may take up to a week to settle once debris is cleared and the tissue is disinfected. Severe or recurring episodes last longer because the wisdom tooth remains partly covered by gum tissue, allowing the irritation to return. If flare-ups keep happening, extraction is typically the long-term solution. |
How to Treat Pericoronitis at Home
Home care will offer temporary relief, but it does not replace professional treatment.
- Use warm saltwater rinses to soothe the gum tissue and help flush light debris.
- Take pain relievers as advised but only use medications approved by your oral surgeon.
- Keep food away from the area and stick with softer foods that do not pack under the gum flap.
- Do not try to pull at or cut the gum tissue.
If pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth does not improve, it is time to see your oral surgeon.
When Wisdom Tooth Removal Becomes the Best Option
Pericoronitis will continue to happen because the wisdom tooth cannot fully erupt. Impacted wisdom teeth trap debris beneath the gum flap and make tooth extraction the most predictable long-term solution. Even with perfect oral hygiene, the gum flap will continue to trap bacteria. Extraction eliminates the source of irritation, improves oral comfort, and prevents future infections.
At Legacy Surgery, we use advanced 3D imaging to assess tooth position and ensure safe, precise removal.
Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Evaluation
If you are dealing with gum pain, swelling, or repeated infections around a wisdom tooth, Legacy Surgery can help you feel better quickly and prevent future problems. Our oral surgeon, Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, provides safe and precise treatment using advanced surgical techniques.
To book a consultation at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.
📍Other location
Legacy Surgery in Harrisonburg, VA
(540) 437-1230
2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA
FAQs
Does pericoronitis go away on its own?
It may improve temporarily, but the condition often returns because the wisdom tooth remains partially trapped. Professional care prevents future infections and complications.
How serious can pericoronitis become?
If untreated, the infection can spread beyond the gum, causing deep tissue swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, or systemic symptoms. Early care prevents these complications.
Can pericoronitis cause headaches?
Inflammation around a wisdom tooth can irritate nearby nerves and muscles. This can trigger tension headaches or pain that spreads to the temples, jaw, or ear.
How is pericoronitis treated in pregnancy?
Treatment during pregnancy focuses on safe, conservative care. Your oral surgeon may clean the gum tissue, irrigate the area, and recommend antibacterial mouthwash. Pain relievers considered safe for pregnancy may be used if needed. Tooth extraction is usually postponed until after delivery unless a severe infection makes urgent treatment necessary.