Why does the wisdom tooth hurt: causes and symptoms of pericoronitis

The growth of a wisdom tooth in most people is accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling in the gums and pain. Therefore, the wisdom tooth is associated in many with pain. The fact is that in the process of teething the wisdom tooth in the gum, in addition to disrupting the direction of growth and localization, inflammation of the tissues that surround the wisdom tooth often develops. This is called pericoronitis.

The inflammatory process develops when plaque accumulates in the gum opening. The second reason for inflammation of the gum tissue is the difficulty in the eruption of the wisdom tooth, when it puts pressure on the adjacent tooth. This is accompanied by damage to the gums and bone tissue.

Why does the wisdom tooth hurt: the main causes of pericoronitis

Difficulties with the eruption of a wisdom tooth appear in people because, in the process of evolution, the width of the jaw of a modern person decreases. The size of the teeth remains the same, and the width is less by 10-12 mm. The wisdom tooth does not have a free space during eruption, which is why pericoronitis occurs, which is accompanied by pain.

Thus, it is the reduction of the dental arch that is the first cause of pericoronitis.

The second cause of pericoronitis is a violation of the embryological conditions of teething. It has been established that the eruption of wisdom teeth is difficult due to the thickening of the walls of the dental sacs that surround the dental crown.

Of great importance is the fact that at the time of teething, the location of the tooth almost does not change, but part of the chewing surface of the tooth remains under the cover of the mucous membrane. With the accumulation of food debris, microorganisms and plaque under the mucous membrane, pericoronitis develops. Read more about the symptoms of pericoronitis on estet-portal.com. Constant traumatization of the chewing surface by teeth - antagonists during chewing causes the maintenance of inflammation. This contributes to cicatricial changes in the hood and expansion of the periodontal gap.

Characteristic clinical manifestations and symptoms of pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is manifested by pain in the area of ​​an erupting tooth. The pain may radiate to the temple or ear. Difficulty swallowing and chewing is possible, it is difficult for the patient to open his mouth. The progression of pericoronitis is accompanied by the transition of the inflammatory process to the surrounding tissues, while the pain is due to the involvement of the gum hood in the inflammatory process. If the wisdom tooth begins to grow at an angle, then significant damage to the bone tissue and gums occurs. This contributes to more pronounced clinical symptoms.

Pericoronitis is quite rarely accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes. The main complaint, besides pain, is halitosis and bad taste in the mouth after eating.

Possible Complications and Treatments for Pericoronitis

Inadequate treatment or its absence can lead to subperiosteal abscess, development of phlegmon and osteomyelitis is possible.

In case of severe edema and reduction of the jaws with pericoronitis, trigeminosympathetic blockade is indicated. In the absence of complications of pericoronitis, the pocket under the hood is washed with a weak solution of furacilin. Sulfonamide preparations are used for rinsing.

If there is no result from conservative treatment, surgical treatment is indicated, which consists in excision of the hood. The removal of a wisdom tooth is indicated in the case of such a position in which its eruption is impossible. With recurrent pericoronitis, the removal of a wisdom tooth is also indicated.