Pericoronitis
Pronunciation: peh-ree-kor-oh-NY-tis
Inflammation of the soft tissue overlying a partially erupted tooth, most commonly affecting mandibular third molars, caused by bacterial accumulation beneath the operculum.
Full Definition
Pericoronitis is an acute or chronic inflammatory condition affecting the pericoronal flap of gingival tissue (the operculum) that overlies a partially erupted or impacted tooth, most frequently the mandibular wisdom tooth. Bacteria colonise the space between the operculum and the tooth crown, leading to pain, swelling, trismus, halitosis, and occasionally systemic spread. Acute pericoronitis may require irrigation under the operculum, antibiotics in cases of systemic involvement, and ultimately surgical removal of the causative tooth or the operculum (operculectomy). Editors should note that 'pericoronitis' is always written as one word without hyphenation, and must not be confused with 'pericoronal' — the adjectival form used in phrases such as 'pericoronal cyst'.
Usage
Usage note: One word, no hyphen. Distinguish 'pericoronitis' (the condition) from 'pericoronal' (the adjectival form).
In Context
- "The patient presented with acute pericoronitis associated with the partially erupted lower right wisdom tooth." — Emergency dental assessment record
- "Irrigation of the pericoronal pocket with chlorhexidine provided temporary relief, but extraction was recommended to prevent recurrence of pericoronitis." — Oral surgery referral letter